ASTM International Celebrates 100th Memorandum of Understanding
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, ASTM International President James Thomas announced the signing of the organization's 100th Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU program supports use of ASTM International standards while also encouraging global participation in the ASTM standards development process.
"This program has been crucial in supporting the global standards community, starting with our first signatory, Colombia, to Gulf nations including the UAE, to Montserrat, our 100th," said Thomas. "These signings reflect ASTM's broad and deep commitment to World Trade Organization principles such as openness, transparency, and the development dimension."
"We are thrilled that Montserrat is joining this well-known program," said Deryck Omar, CEO of the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) in the Caribbean. "It's clear that ASTM International standards are recognized worldwide for their high technical quality and market relevance," said Omar, an ASTM board member.
During his presentation, Thomas unveiled ASTM's new Global Cooperation webpage (link here) featuring all 100 countries and regions, including Monserrat as well as Myanmar, which became the 99th MoU partner last week.
MoU partners receive these benefits:
- free participation in ASTM technical committees;
- access to a robust collection of ASTM standards for the national standards body;
- education about ASTM International's standards development process and technical content;
- minimized duplication of effort in standards development at the national level; and,
- communication, awareness, access to special programs, and more.
These benefits are particularly helpful in addressing challenges such as overcoming barriers to trade.
Thomas made the announcement during "outreach day" of the weeklong activities of the ASTM International Board of Directors in the United Arab Emirates. His speaking engagement – alongside board chairman Dr. Ralph Paroli of the National Research Council of Canada – was supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the U.S. Embassy as part of its Discover America Speakers Series.
ASTM International's overall global engagement has grown alongside the MoU program. Over the past 10 years, membership in ASTM International committees has increased 42% outside the U.S. At the same time, ASTM has opened several additional offices throughout the world.
In 2016, the organization hosted over 100 delegates from nine countries. Over the past decade, ASTM International has also hosted 32 standard experts from 28 nations through its exchange program. Over the next 12 months, the organization plans to host experts from MoU signatories including Bhutan, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
Also this month, ASTM International's Global Cooperation Department, which manages the MoU program, received the International Code Council (ICC) Global Award for their dedicated effort in "promoting and providing access to technical standards supporting the building codes around the world, thus creating an opportunity to expand the ICC's mission to promote global building safety."
About ASTM International
Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by us, they improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they enhance performance and help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use – from the toy in a child's hand to the aircraft overhead. Working across borders, disciplines, and industries we harness the expertise of over 30,000 members to create consensus and improve performance in manufacturing and materials, products and processes, systems and services. Understanding commercial needs and consumer priorities, we touch every part of everyday life: helping our world work better. www.astm.org
Media Inquiries: Nathan Osburn, tel +1.610.832.9603; [email protected]
MoU Inquiries: Teresa Cendrowska, tel +1.610.832.9718; [email protected]
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SOURCE ASTM International
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