India is actively seeking to establish mutually beneficial arrangements with its trusted trading partners regarding the implementation of quality standards, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced. The initiative is part of India's broader strategy to enhance the manufacturing of quality goods within the country through Quality Control Orders (QCOs), ensuring a level playing field for both domestic and international suppliers.

Goyal emphasized that India's approach to quality standards is nondiscriminatory, with the same rules, standards, and processes applied to both domestic and imported goods. This policy underscores India's commitment to fair trade practices and equal treatment for companies from all countries. The minister also hinted at the possibility of innovative solutions to simplify approval processes for trusted partners producing high-quality products.

The dialogue between India and several nations is ongoing, with discussions focusing on mutual benefits and recognition of each other's certification processes. Goyal's remarks highlight India's willingness to adapt and collaborate, provided there is mutual respect for each other's regulations. This approach has been met with interest from major trading partners, including the US and the EU, which have expressed concerns over the complexity of certification processes under QCOs.

QCOs play a critical role in safeguarding consumers from substandard goods while ensuring access to high-quality products. The expansion of products under QCO coverage reflects India's dedication to quality and consumer protection. As India continues to engage with its global partners, the focus remains on fostering partnerships that benefit all parties involved, without compromising on quality standards or regulatory respect.

Kalmar, a leading provider of cargo-handling solutions, has successfully completed a significant refurbishment project in collaboration with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) at the Port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. The project focused on the overhaul of two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, a critical component of the terminal's operations. This initiative is part of Kalmar's Modernisation Services program, aimed at extending the lifespan and enhancing the performance of port equipment.

The scope of the project included the replacement of key components such as the forestay and pivot point bearings, trolley rails, short rails, and trolley and guide wheels. These upgrades are expected to significantly improve the cranes' efficiency and reliability, ensuring smoother operations at one of West Africa's busiest ports. The project, which was booked in Kalmar's Q4 2024 order intake, was completed in Q1 2025, demonstrating the company's ability to deliver complex projects on schedule.

In addition to the physical refurbishment, Kalmar also provided a comprehensive maintenance training program for the port technicians in Abidjan. This initiative is designed to empower the local team with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the cranes in optimal condition, thereby maximizing their operational lifespan. Peter Bos, Project Manager at Kalmar, highlighted the importance of this training, noting its role in sustaining the long-term performance of the equipment.

This project marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Kalmar and AGL, which spans several years and includes similar refurbishment projects in other African countries such as Congo and Benin. AGL, a subsidiary of MSC, is a major player in Africa's port logistics sector, operating 17 container terminals across the continent. The successful completion of the Abidjan project underscores the mutual trust and collaboration between the two companies, setting a positive precedent for future endeavors.