A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Nepal and the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) and ASTM International to strengthen the relationship between the two organizations. The partnership will enhance support for the needs of the people of Nepal, aid Nepal’s economic growth and assist in the development of Nepal national standards for health, safety and the environment.

Dr. Sita Ram Joshi, NBSM director general, and James A. Thomas, ASTM International president, signed the MOU in November 2008.

The MOU agreement will promote greater participation in ASTM International standards development by NBSM and Nepalese technical experts, and it will provide access to the ASTM development process as well as standards-related information. ASTM will annually supply the full collection of ASTM International standards to NBSM, which have the capability of adopting ASTM standards. In addition, NBSM and ASTM International plan to sponsor industry standards and training programs.

Nepal and Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology
Located in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, NBSM is part of the Nepalese government’s Ministry of Industry. It formulates national standards, operates product certification, provides testing facilities and technical services, and oversees metrology and calibration services.

The ASTM Memorandum of Understanding Program
Initiated in 2001 and with more than 60 MOUs already signed, ASTM International's MOU program fosters awareness of the standardization systems by all involved parties.

The purposes of the MOU program are to promote communication between ASTM International and national standards bodies; to promote knowledge of each other’s standards development activities; facilitate greater worldwide participation in the ASTM standard development process and facilitate the development of national standards that will aid health, safety, environmental and economic institutions.

More information about the ASTM International MOU program can be found in the global cooperation section of the ASTM Web site (www.astm.org/GLOBAL).

Student Membership in ASTM International
ASTM International student members are able to learn about standards and gain skills that will be necessary for their future careers. Student membership in ASTM International is free to university students, who can join by visiting the ASTM International Campus section of the ASTM Web site (www.astm.org/studentmember).

Release #8140/Dec08