1. Strengthening National Quality Infrastructure in the Lao PDR
Ministry of Science and Technology
Department of Standardization and Metrology
EIF Tier-2 Project (Component A):
Strengthening National Quality Infrastructure in the Lao PDR
Project Review Committee Meeting
By Souksavath Sihapanya, DSM, MoST
25 May 2016

2. NIU / T4D Communication Strategy
Contents
Implementation Progress and plan for 2016
A1. Standardization
A2. Metrology
A3. Accreditation
A4. Quality Centre
Challenges
Way Forward
NIU / T4D Communication Strategy

3. Objective/Outcome: Outputs: A1: Standardization
Adoption and implementation of the WTO TBT Code of Good Practice for Standardization
Outputs:
Strengthened capacity in standardization and development of procedures of standards;
Enhanced public awareness of benefits of implementing international standards.

4. Implementation Progress (2015):
A1: Standardization
Implementation Progress (2015):
Established Standards Development System:
Completion of all Procedures, Guidelines, Working instructions and Forms
Trainings/workshops were delivered for staffs and relevant stakeholders
Availability of Action Plan for standards development system
Formulated 2 new National Standards
Organized the National Quality Infrastructure Symposium

5. Major Workplan for 2016: A1: Standardization
Completion of activities in the Procedures Implementation Action Plan
Development of additional procedures
Translation of documents
Trainings for NSC and NTC members
Development of standards
Upgrading DSM’s membership at the ISO, from Subscriber Member status to become a Correspondent Member
Enhancing communication and outreach program

6. Objective/Outcome: Outputs: A2: Metrology
Development of a national metrology system to ensure uniformity of measurements across Lao PDR and traceability of measurements to the international system of units
Outputs:
Established system & sets of procedures for improving measurement standards.
Enhanced capacity and increased awareness related to the implementation of national metrology system

7. Implementation Progress (2015):
A2: Metrology
Implementation Progress (2015):
Completed the Procurement and calibration of lab instruments;
Held the workshops on establishment of the lab quality system complied with ISO/IEC requirements; and
Prepared the lab quality documents for DSM laboratories.

8. Major Workplan for 2016: A2: Metrology
Applying for ISO/IEC accreditation from Vietnam Bureau of Accreditation.
Preparing the mass and temperature lab to be ready for accreditation
Organizing the inter-laboratory comparisons cover electrical, mass and temperature lab
Applying to extend the scope of accreditation in order to cover the mass and temperature lab
Awareness seminars on the important of measuring instrument calibration

9. Objective/Outcome: Outputs: A3: Accreditation
Development of the Lao National Accreditation Bureau (LNAB) in provision of reliable, credible voluntary accreditation services that meet industry needs and that are in compliance with international standards and guidelines.
Outputs:
Formally established LNAB in accordance with ISO/IEC ;
Enhanced capacity for accreditation body/authority and increased awareness of the benefits of accreditation and the mandatory requirement for WTO-TBT compliance

10. Implementation Progress:
A3: Accreditation
Implementation Progress:
LNAB has been established with Ministerial appointed staffs
LNAB staffs received the training on:
Understanding ISO/IEC on Accreditation and Conformity Assessment
Others required workshops on Internal Calibration, Uncertainty of Measurement and Lead Assessor

11. Major Workplan for 2016 A3: Accreditation Review LNAB QMS
Prepare for assessments and mock assessments’
Conduct mock assessments for labs
Prepare application for APLAC membership

12. Objective/Outcome: Outputs: A4: Quality Centre
Formally established Lao Quality Center.
Outputs:
Established national quality system
Strengthened capacity of the quality center and increased awareness of international and national quality standards

13. Implementation Progress:
A4: Quality Centre
Implementation Progress:
staffs of Quality Centre has been taken course on:
Understanding ISO/IEC on Laboratory Management
Understanding ISO/IEC on Product Certification
Workshop on Quality Management System for SMEs.

14. Major Workplan for 2016 A4: Quality Centre
Review document control system
Review scheme management and other committees within Quality Center
Conduct audit of schemes for Concrete, Rebar and other products
Review work plan for QC to complete preparations for accreditation
Series of workshops on National Quality Award development and selection of winners
Conducting National Quality Need Assessment (NEW)
Developing a library of ISO quality standards and publication

15. Challenges
Slower than anticipated pace to adopt or approve national standards
Slower than anticipated pace to procure the Lab Equipment
Time requirement for LNAB’s recognition from ILAC
Late start to the National Quality Need Assessment

16. Way Forward
Project duration extension for 12 months
Revise project logframe and budget plan to reflect the actual needs

17. Thank You for your attention