In a statement issued on Tuesday, the minister also said that the number of SASO-approved laboratories in the Kingdom rose by 400 percent while the number of certificates of origin issued by the organization increased by 271 percent.

He emphasized SASO's commitment to support various economic sectors in the country as well as to protect consumers and the local market and confront trade fraud, dumping and imitation goods.

"We have taken many measures to improve the quality of national industries and strengthen their competitiveness," Alireza said.

Last year SASO approved 2,059 new standards and specifications, bringing the total to 16,723, covering various sectors. "SASO also upgraded 315 standards and specifications last year," he said.

Nabeel Mulla, governor of SASO, highlighted his organization's achievements in the past years. "Last year we issued 14 certificates to national companies allowing them to use quality marks, bringing the total number of companies and factories that have achieved quality marks in the Kingdom to 221," he pointed out.

SASO approved 31 laboratories by the end of last year. "We have also issued 678 certificates of origin for national products," he said. The organization has signed agreements with 14 countries to ensure conformity of their products with Saudi standards and specifications in order to protect consumers in the Kingdom.

"These agreements will help boost bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and the 14 countries," a market analyst said, stressing the need to conclude more such accords among Arab and Islamic countries.

Abdul Aziz Al-Khodairi, manager of consumer care center at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of enhancing awareness of Arab consumers through the public media. "Arab families should be encouraged to rationalize consumption and search for alternative products."