The Minister of State for Consumers Affairs Professor K V Thomas today called for new initiatives in the area of standardisation of products and services. Inaugurating the 34th General Assembly of the International Organisation for Standardization, ISO in New Delhi today, he said, standardisation of products and services has become more important in an era of economic globalisation.

The Minister also emphasized the need for innovation in the process of standardization. Mr. Thomas said, ISO should foster new initiatives and proactively anticipate new areas where international standardization might support innovation.

Prof. Thomas said that India have always been active supporters of national and international standardization work. The Minister said, efforts have been made for providing value based services to the citizens and safeguarding the country's technological interests by formulating Indian Standards, which reflect India's technical competence.

Representatives of 125 member countries is participating in the General Assembly. The Assembly will discuss best practices of industry participation in standardization, role of industrial associations, economic benefits of standards and other issues related with the standardization.