His Excellency the Governor of SASO, Dr. Saad bin Othman Alkasabi, sent his deepest congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz , the Crown Prince, the Deputy Crown Prince and the proud Saudi people, on the occasion of the eighty fifth National Day of the Kingdom, praying to Allah Almighty to perpetuate the country's security, prosperity and stability.
Dr. Saad said: this is a special memory for the people of this giving country. Every year, we are reminded of our grandparents' championships. This day is a national occasion and special memory that encourages us to move forward in the process of development and excellence. He also pointed out that SASO has made great efforts to achieve the orientation and vision of our wise Saudi government by providing standard specifications for goods and products to ensure the consumer's safety.
Dr. Alkasabi noted that SASO has approved (449) new standards and technical regulations, so the total of all approved standards is (28708). SASO has also started preparing (607) standards, which are under examination, and will be soon ready for approval. Furthermore, the Saudi standard for fuel efficiency has been approved,in addition to signing memorandums of understanding with (86) international car companies, in coordination with the Saudi Center for Energy Efficiency and other relevant authorities.
On the level of SASO's agreements in the field of conformity, the Governor explained that this year witnessed (42) inspection visits carried out by technical teams to factories of tires, vehicle oils, steel reinforcement and thermal insulation materials. About (3209) samples, directly related to the consumer's health and safety, were withdrawn from the market. (669) devices were calibrated at the National Center for Measurement and Calibration. Moreover, the Saudi Accreditation Committee approved (23) private labs. SASO has made (13) agreements for mutual recognition with international bodies, in order to apply prior censorship and ensure the goods' compliance with the Saudi standards prior to exporting them from the country of origin. In addition, SASO has signed several agreements and joint cooperation memorandums with many government and private bodies in the Kingdom.
Dr. Saad continued his speech by noting that (7280) samples of different products were tested in SASO's labs. The number of used cars which have been tested to ensure their compliance with the specifications is about (35.983). (17) factories received the Saudi Quality Mark, and (18) licenses to use the Mark were withdrawn after making sure that the products and factories do not meet the conditions. SASO has granted (4587) license to use the energy efficiency label on electrical appliances.
Dr. Alkasabi expressed his pride in what the IT department at SASO has achieved, as they succeeded in creating (35) projects to facilitate the organization's work and provide its services electronically in a more effective way. He also announced the launching of the activities of the research and study center and the training center, both which SASO aims that they have active roles in raising awareness on standardization activities and promoting scientific reference for SASO's activities. He added, SASO is keen to actively contribute in the process of development and growth for this generous country, the country that has always supported its people. I ask Allah Almighty to guide our governors to what he likes and pleases.