KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Quality management systems can be effective "marketing tools" to succeed in the competitive and liberalised global trade, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.

Being sensitive to the current needs in the domestic and international markets was crucial to produce high quality products and services, he said.

"With the availability of various quality-related bodies in our country, it will be easier to obtain certifications according to one's need.

"In fact, the certifications can be a work guide to emerge as a viable and quality organisation," he said when opening the 2009 Quality Management symposium.

The text of his speech was read out by Datuk Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad, the ministry's deputy secretary-general (policy).

Dr Maximus said ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 (environmental quality management) have become part of the system that have been integrated with the world economy.

An audit conducted for ISO accreditation in 2007 showed the quality certification involves one or more management systems from 175 countries.

"This is an increase from 170 countries in 2007, an increase from 170 countries in 2006. This showed the system is an essential tool for the world economy," he said.

Up to end of 2007, at least 951,486 ISO 9001:2000 certificates were issued in 175 countries, up six per cent from the previous year, he added.