FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2011-11-16

Standards Council of Canada and Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology prioritize sectors for standardization cooperation

John Walter, CEO of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and Enkhtaivan Gurjav, Chairman of the Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology (MASM)

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to announce the successful outcomes of a three-day information exchange with representatives from the Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology (MASM). Building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2010, SCC and MASM met to explore and prioritize standardization sectors of mutual interest and to agree on a framework for advancing their cooperation agreement.

Among the priority sectors identified in discussions by SCC and MASM are: mining, transportation infrastructure, winter roads and building construction, urban planning, emergency preparedness, and environmental protection. Canadian standardization expertise and experience is of considerable interest to Mongolia because of similar climatic conditions.

“This meeting helped to deepen our awareness of the important links between our two countries” said SCC’s Chief Executive Officer, John Walter. “SCC is eager to explore further standardization opportunities with MASM in the hopes that it will enhance market access for both Canadian and Mongolian exporters.”

“Our discussions with the Standards Council of Canada were very productive” noted MASM’s Chairman, Mr. Enkhtaivan Gurjav. “Canada’s experience and expertise in standardization is a valuable model for Mongolia. We are eager to continue to work with Standards Council of Canada to further cooperation between Canada and Mongolia”.

In addition to engaging MASM delegates on standards-related topics with senior SCC staff, and with Dr. Sam Shaw, the Vice-Chair of the SCC governing Council, the SCC facilitated meetings with representatives from Natural Resources Canada, the National Research Council of Canada, Transport Canada, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

This latest exchange between SCC and MASM on standardization infrastructure will contribute to Canada’s relationship with Mongolia as an important trading partner; shared standardization practices will serve to strengthen those ties, reduce trade barriers and open the door to new trading opportunities. SCC technical experts will visit MASM in the coming months to engage with relevant Mongolian stakeholders and move forward with the work plan established at this SCC-hosted meeting in Canada.

Background

The Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology (MASM) is the national body for standards and metrology in Mongolia. MASM contributes to the development of the Mongolian society, economy, industry and trade by establishing standards on the basis of mutual understanding and voluntary agreement between parties in governmental authorities, industry and business, with regard to consumers' rights, and in continuously developing standardization activities aligned to the market system. MASM approves and publishes all Mongolian standards, represents Mongolia in international standardization within ISO, and is the Mongolian WTO/TBT Enquiry Point.

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a Crown Corporation and a portfolio of Industry Canada. With the goal of enhancing Canada's economic competitiveness and social well-being, the SCC offers accreditation services to standards development bodies, and coordinates the efforts of Canadians in the development and use of national and international standards. The SCC is the Canadian member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and sponsor of the Canadian national committee to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For additional information on the work of the SCC visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].

- 30 -