Government promises to block China’s counterfeits

By Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

With almost all of the counterfeit goods on the Ugandan market coming from China, news of blocking them from leaving the country will be received with a sigh of relief and victory.

That is if what the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Executive Director, Terry Kahuuma said is anything to be taken relied on.

              

“The Chinese embassy has shown willingness to assist in preventing the substandard goods from leaving the country. Already, some factories set up to solely produce counterfeits have been shut down.”

The Director made this revelation while issuing certification awards to Huawei Technologies Ltd, a Chinese telecom solutions provider on June 30. The Terminal, Main and Auxiliary equipment awards mean that Huawei products meet customer needs and the requirements of the law.

UNBS is mandated to regulate standards and quality, as well as promote trade.

Huawei is a leading telecom equipment provider for the Ugandan market for the last ten years. Equipments include mobile phones and internet modems among others. Most direct recipients of Huawei’s products are the service providers.

In April 2011, Huawei entered an understanding with UNBS to undertake inspection, audit and related processes and verification of the quality of Huawei manufactured equipment and the related production and supply.

China ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Sun Heping said that “by assisting Chinese qualified companies to expand their businesses in Uganda, government made the right decision and will not be let down.

“Huawei should consider this certification as an honour to treasure, and an obligation to observe and even work harder to safeguard the good image of Chinese companies and products.”

Information and Communications Technology is Uganda’s fastest growing sector, with a 21.2% growth per year. During the 2010/2011 financial year, the sector contributed 300 billion shillings to the economy.

With a population of 32 million, the country has at least 12 million telephone lines majority being mobile phones.