MALAYSIA’S SIRIM QAS International opens regional branch office in Bahrain

 

MANAMA, 9th April 2017 – SIRIM QAS International, Malaysia’s premier certification and testing body, has opened its maiden branch office in the Middle East in Manama, Bahrain. Upon opening, SIRIM QAS International will be offering the IECEx certification of personnel competence for explosive atmospheres, IECEx certified service facilities certification, product certification and management system certification services in Bahrain. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, SIRIM Chairman, Tan Sri Dr. Ir. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, said: “SIRIM QAS International has intentions to be a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Notified Body to help Malaysian manufacturers and those in neighbouring countries obtain ‘Gulf Marking’ to penetrate the GCC market, expanding trade between both countries.

“We chose to set up our regional headquarters in Bahrain because of the country’s strategic location, attractive liberal business environment and its reputation as a modern industrial, business and service centre in the region. Bahrain’s strong growth prospects and natural gateway into the GCC market make it an ideal destination for any international company interested in expanding to the fast growing Middle East region.”

The Assistant Undersecretary of Domestic Trade at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Mr. Hameed Rahma said: “We are pleased to welcome SIRIM QAS International to Bahrain, SIRIM is a leading international certification and testing organisation with over 40 years of experience. We and the EDB support such investments that strengthen the standardization infrastructure, enhance the ability to test products and boost consumers’ confidence in the products offered in the market. Bahrain offers investors a strategic location, an attractive investment climate and a reputed regional hub for commerce, manufacturing and trade. SIRIM can capitalize on those benefits and use Bahrain as a gateway to expand to the region.”

Mr. Rahma also said: “SIRIM is planning to be a certified body by GCC Standardization Organization to provide conformity certificates based on GCC product safety programs. This will support Malaysian manufacturers as well as manufacturers in the GCC to obtain the conformity certification for required products and will also help to increase trade between Malaysia and the GCC countries.”

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) provided full support to Sirim QAS in establishing their new regional office. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the EDB said:

“We are delighted to welcome Sirim QAS International and their expertise to the Kingdom. The company joins a number of other firms taking advantage of the Kingdom’s regional connectivity, business friendly regulations and low operating costs. These advantages make Bahrain an ideal platform for international businesses to grow. We look forward to continuing our support for SIRIM QAS and other prospective Malaysian businesses as they seek to expand their operations in the Middle East and around the world.”

 

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A wholly-owned company of the Malaysian Government under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations, SIRIM Berhad is a premier Research and Technology organisation providing timely and focused research, developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology and services for the Malaysian industrial sector. SIRIM Berhad is also a champion of Quality and has gained international recognition, underlying its mission of “being a total solution provider in quality and technology innovations.” www.sirim.my

SIRIM QAS International is Malaysia’s leading conformity assessment body with over 40 years of experience in providing certification, inspection and testing services in Malaysia and overseas.  It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Malaysian government-owned company, SIRIM Berhad.  The various accreditations and recognitions from Malaysian and international bodies not only attest to its impartiality and competence in conformity assessment but also facilitates the acceptance of its certificates and test reports worldwide. www.sirim-qas.com.my

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ruhil Amani Zainal Abidin, +6013 2010402 ruhil@sirim.my 
Patricia Limbang, +6019 268 5679 patricia@sirim.my