Goyal expressed confidence that international experts’ participation would enrich discussions and advance global standards adoption
New Delhi
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said India views sustainability as the central pillar of its growth and emphasized that high-quality standards are essential for the nation’s progress. Speaking at the inauguration of the IEC General Meeting and Exhibition, organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Goyal underlined that “sustainability is non-negotiable” in India’s development journey.
He explained that strong standards form the base for growth both domestically and globally. Harmonizing global standards, he added, not only raises product quality but also facilitates free trade, creates open markets, and encourages international collaboration. Goyal expressed confidence that participation by international experts at the event would enrich discussions and promote adoption of standards worldwide.
Highlighting India’s commitment to a circular economy, Goyal said reducing waste, conserving resources, and ensuring consumer welfare remain top priorities. He noted that India’s thousands of technical bodies have been working on setting standards across sectors. Initially voluntary, standards gradually required stricter enforcement, leading to the introduction of Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
As an example, Goyal cited QCOs for toys, which eliminated substandard imports and boosted local manufacturing of safer, high-quality toys. He said this approach reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect,” which aims for world-class products without harming the environment.
Goyal stressed that promoting high-quality standards not only safeguards consumers but also drives demand, supports fair trade, and ensures long-term growth. He called on businesses and regulators to embrace global best practices to secure India’s place as a leader in sustainable development and international trade.
