The IEC has sealed a key agreement to strengthen cooperation and encourage the adoption of IEC standards by the member countries of the Arab Industrial Development, Standardization and Mining Organization (AIDSMO). The IEC Secretary-General, Philippe Metzger, signed the Regional Adoption Agreement on the fringes of the 58th meeting of the Arab High Committee for Standardization in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.

The meeting brought together AIDSMO member countries with other international organizations, including the IEC and ISO.  Addressing the participants, the Director General of AIDSMO, Adel Al-Saqer, emphasized the importance of international standards and conformity assessment for removing trade barriers and protecting consumers.

The IEC has been working with AIDSMO since the signing of a joint pledge in 2016. Collaboration has included exchanging information, attending annual meetings and workshops and encouraging participation from the Arab community in IEC work.

Mr Metzger said: "This agreement is a pathway for deepening the collaboration between our organizations that can help shape the development of the region, increase the involvement of AIDMSO countries in IEC activities and promote IEC International Standards."

AIDSMO comprises more than 20 countries covering North African and Middle Eastern countries with the aim of promoting sustainable growth in the region.  They are all IEC Affiliate, IEC Associate or full IEC Members.

The Agreement between IEC and AIDSMO promotes trade between countries, ensures the safety of electrotechnical products and equipment and that products operate at an agreed level of performance and efficiency.

(Source: IEC)