Recognising the desirability of the global use of international standards, Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to ensure that their national standards and their application facilitate international trade.
PSQCA and ANSI have endorsed the following articles of MOU signed on October 14 in Dubai concerning matters covering standardisation, conformity assessment and the mutual exchange of information and publications between the respective organisations.
They have agreed to exchange views on the activity, operations and programme of work of various international and regional standardisation and conformity assessment organisations, including but not limited to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Both the organisations have further agreed to: Facilitate dialogue among Pakistan and US experts in various areas of standardisation and conformity assessment as determined by special arrangements between the parties.
Encourage standards' organisations in their countries to identify their counterpart groups for the purpose of establishing bilateral relationships, including mutual exchange of information and materials, trade shows/exhibits, and possible joint business ventures, to stimulate industry-to-industry co-operation as a building block to international standardisation and free trade.
Arrange exchange of visits of the senior management of PSQCA and ANSI, and explore organising and sponsoring conferences, workshops, and technical symposia on standardisation and conformity assessment subjects of mutual interest.
PSQCA and ANSI have further agreed to exchange, using all appropriate media:
Current catalogue of their national standards and procedures published by the respective organisations.
General information and publications on conformity assessment (including certification, suppliers declaration and accreditation) and quality assurance published by the respective organisations.
General materials for training courses on standardisation, conformity assessment and quality assurance developed and published by the respective organisations, and
Periodical publications and other relevant information published by the respective organisations. Further to this item, PSQCA is given ANSI's permission to translate and reprint free of charge any articles published in ANSI Online news.
Any issues arising from the interpretation or implementation of the MOU will be settled through consultations between PSQCA and ANSI or such other means as they may mutually decide.
The MOU can be amended by the written agreement of both parties and is valid until terminated. Either party may terminate the MOU by providing the other party with a written notice at least six months in advance. Notice to terminate or amend the MOU shall not retroactively change the terms of any existing project or program being undertaken by the parties for the specific term of the project or programme without consent of both parties.
Dr Shahzad Afzal, Director, PSQCA and S.Joe Bhatia, President and Chief Executive Officer, ANSI signed the MOU on behalf of their organisations.
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