ASTM International standards continue to play an important role in the development of Vietnamese national standards, according to the annual report submitted to ASTM International by the Directorate for Standards and Quality (STAMEQ), the national standards body of Vietnam under the Ministry of Science and Technology.  ASTM International and STAMEQ signed a memorandum of understanding in 2004.

Since 2004, several ASTM International standards have been adopted or adapted by STAMEQ and referenced in the development of Vietnamese national standards.  According to STAMEQ, close to 150 ASTM International standards have been used as the basis for Vietnamese national standards and 12 ASTM standards have been referenced in Vietnamese regulations.  The ASTM International standards cover a wide range of sectors important to Vietnamese industry, including metals, petroleum, paint, soil and rock, construction and roofing materials, aviation fuels, rubber and plastics.  

The cooperative agreement between ASTM International and STAMEQ has been beneficial to both organizations. According to Ngo Quy Viet, director general at STAMEQ, more than 2,000 ASTM International standards on building and construction, plastics, rubber, petroleum and steel have been used in Vietnam since 2006 as part of the MOU program.  In addition, ASTM staff members have participated in standards and trade workshops and have conducted ASTM technical training courses in Vietnam, and ASTM hosted a standards expert from STAMEQ for a one-month visit to ASTM International headquarters in 2006.

Initiated in 2001, ASTM International's MOU program promotes communication between ASTM International and national standards bodies worldwide, fostering awareness of the standardization systems of all parties involved. The purpose of the program is to increase greater worldwide participation in the ASTM standards development process and facilitate the development of national standards that will aid health, safety, environmental and economic conditions. More information on the ASTM International MOU program can be found on the ASTM Web site (www.astm.org/GLOBAL).

Release #8176/Feb2009