To carry out the winning through quality strategy for enhanced competitiveness in the world market

To carry out the 'winning through quality' strategy for enhanced competitiveness in the world market

We are convinced that quality is the lifeline of a business, and it is also the passport to international markets. In a way, the world's general perception over a country's product quality hallmarks that country's national capability, the level of its social progress, its national strength and, consequently, its international status. In a world of tense competition and rising trade protectionism, quality products and services, on the one hand, are the toughest vehicles to combat trade barriers in the world market to achieve competitive advantage. On the other hand, quality products and services reflect the commitment by business communities to the imperative demand for an improved standard of living and quality of life in the home market. They further represent the most effective choice for businesses to grow at the junction of China's accession to WTO. A quality standard does not merely denote conformance to bottom-line performance requirements; it will have to ensure that the quality complies with safety and environmental protection standards. In addition, quality must also reflect evolving market needs, eg appealing product design and packaging. Contract commitment and service are an indispensable part of quality. Quality standards will have to be recognized internationally, and we ought to aim at zero defects. Over a broad spectrum, education and training are the ultimate assurance of quality. Therefore, it is important to enhance a sense of responsibility among all members of society. We are resolved to build the right mechanism, strengthening the link between the individual's quality of performance and their own career development as well as the future of our nation. A moral atmosphere will have to be fostered where the attitude to quality becomes an integral part of social customs and personal habit. A quality assurance system requires a specified quality standard, quality control and assurance. A causal link will have to be put in place between the quality of output and benefits to the workers. Defective products will have to be blocked before they enter the market. A recall system will be established for defective products. Chinese enterprises should attach greater importance to quality accreditation by reputable international institutions. They have to further appreciate the value of brand awareness and brand loyalty.

In respect of the 'green barriers' encountered in the export of agricultural products, the idea of establishing a production base should be promoted while production against purchase orders should be adopted as a prevailing practice at production centres . Export companies should provide quality seeds and breeds and offer guidance in terms of quality standards and scientific processes, eg in farming and breeding. Product procurement processes should strictly observe the required quality standards before the products are processed for export. For industrial goods that already enjoy considerable recognition in the international market, OEM production and processing with systematic quality control and supervision should be encouraged in order to expand the scale of production. In doing so, more enterprises will be able to shorten their learning curve in improving the quality system, thereby cultivating their own ability to enter the world market. As a result the whole industry will be better equipped to compete in the global marketplace with superior quality.

Technological innovation drives quality improvement. As the world economy and technology move forward, consumer expectations over the quality of products and services escalate. Chinese enterprises must capture timely market information and predict market trends so as to guide their research and development. Continuous innovation and a steady flow of new products and services will ensure market compatibility and productivity, and ultimately contribute to international competitiveness.

Social quality supervision is another important dimension. Various levels of quality inspectors and administrations , industrial organizations and the media should fulfil the professional responsibilities in their respective positions over quality control and public awareness. The enforcement of ethical conduct and compliance with laws and regulations must be strengthened . Companies and individuals who commit severe misdemeanours in quality, particularly those who cause adverse impact both at home and abroad, will have to be duly punished. No mercy shall be spared in denunciation and penalty. Organizations and officials convicted with power abuse, for example, those who forge quality accreditations, will be deprived of professional qualification and severely punished. Quality is an issue that will have to receive serious attention, and comprehensive measures will have to be taken to prevent quality problems from arising. There will be no compromise in winning the campaign of quality enhancement.