Abu Dhabi, UAE. 23 September 2022 – The UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global standards organization, ASTM International, to promote the growth of the UAE’s economy and further develop national standards for health, safety, and the environment. The MoU was signed at the ISO Annual Meeting 2022, which is taking place in Abu Dhabi this week.
Under the MoU, the two entities will strengthen their relationship to promote communication between the two organizations; avoid duplication of work where possible; promote knowledge of the standards development activities of each organization; utilize the resources of ASTM International to strengthen MoIAT’s standards system; and promote MoIAT’s adoption of ASTM International’s standards.     
The MoU is in line with the ministry’s efforts to collaborate with global partners in the field of standardization as part of its work to align with international standards and best practices. ASTM International, which is headquartered in Pennsylvania, USA, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for an extensive range of materials, products, systems, and services.
His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology signed the MoU on behalf of MoIAT. He commented: “We are very pleased to sign this memorandum of understanding with ASTM International as a means of supporting MoIAT’s efforts to enhance quality infrastructure, boost conformity and align with international standards to increase the UAE’s competitiveness.
“Through the harmonization of national standards with international best practices, MoIAT will continue to drive innovation, ensure the adoption of advanced technology, and develop quality infrastructure in line with our country’s national industrial strategy.”
Teresa Cendrowska, Vice President of Global Cooperation, signed on behalf of ASTM International. She commented: ““This MoU highlights the mutually beneficial relationship ASTM International has had with the standards bodies in the UAE and the GCC region for many years and is the reason ASTM established its first international Chapter in the UAE in 2019.  Industry leaders here, and throughout this region, have begun to feel closely connected to ASTM International and we will continue to work even closer with MoIAT under this new MoU.”
Earlier this week, MoIAT signed a separate MoU with the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) with the aim of enhancing global trade. Trade and sustainability are key topics being explored at the ISO Annual Meeting 2022, which is taking place under the theme of ‘Collaborating for Good’. More than 5,000 delegates, including officials and representatives of national standardization bodies, as well as experts and technicians from 163 countries, are participating in the event, which runs until Friday.
Hosting the meeting in the UAE, which is a member of the ISO Council, reflects the country’s leading global role in the field of standardization. It also highlights the UAE’s position as a globally recognized and established industrial hub that provides international investors with attractive industrial opportunities and a unique value proposition.