TCI: Ministry of Finance, Trade & Investment hosts National Consultation Workshop on National Quality Policy and Consumer Protection

#Providenciales, July 10, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – PRESS RELEASE – The Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment with the assistance of the EU-COSME project, hosted a National Consultation Workshop from 5^th – 6^th July 2018 on a National Quality Policy and Consumer Protection Framework for the Turks and Caicos Islands.  The workshop was attended by stakeholders from Government ministries and departments with direct responsibility for trade, food safety, human health and the environment.

A National Quality Policy would provide the basis for the implementation of quality principles, practices and disciplines across all sectors of development.  This would allow for increased productivity, innovation, export competitiveness, consumer and environmental health.

As such, a National Standards Body for the Turks and Caicos Islands with responsibility for consumer affairs will be established.  The National Standards Body will primarily be tasked with ensuring that the quality of goods and services produced or delivered by the Turks and Caicos Islands is healthy, safe and competitive both at home and abroad.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Athenee Harvey-Basden in commenting on this initiative stated; “The effective implementation of a framework that facilitates quality standards and consumer protection would raise the profile of the Turks and Caicos Islands as an economy open to trade and development while demonstrating an ability to achieve fairness, impartiality and transparency in the production and delivery of goods and services.”

To lend to this initiative the Ministry is currently developing draft consumer protection regulations which would supplement the Consumer Protection Ordinance of 2016. These regulations are expected to be finalized in the second quarter of this financial year. The Ministry will also make a concentrated effort to provide support to Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to ensure conformity to quality standards and compliance with technical regulations.

Questions, comments or suggestions related to this initiative or any related matters can be forwarded to the Director of Trade in the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment via email on tradetci@gov.tc.

Press Release:  Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment – TCIG