In 2009, STAMEQ, the national standards body of Vietnam, continued it successful partnership with ASTM International that began with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2004.

STAMEQ has been known as the "Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality" under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE) (now the Ministry of Science and Technology) since 1995. STAMEQ oversees the country’s management of standardization, metrology and quality, as well as representing Vietnam in international and standardization organizations such as ASTM.

In the six years since the MOU between ASTM and STAMEQ was signed, STAMEQ has adapted, adopted or referenced more than 2,000 ASTM International standards for petroleum, aviation fuels, gasoline, road construction, paint, metals, rubber, roofing materials, coal and more.  According to a recent annual report submitted to ASTM by STAMEQ, 40 ASTM standards covering various sectors were consulted in the development of Vietnam national standards in the last year alone.  The relationship between ASTM and STAMEQ has increased opportunities for international trade facilitation and economic growth in Vietnam.

Through the MOU, ASTM International members and staff have had the opportunity to exchange information and conduct technical training courses through meetings both at ASTM and STAMEQ headquarters. In 2010, a representative from STAMEQ, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoi, will participate in ASTM’s Standards Expert Program, an intensive one-month training program at ASTM headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pa., that is offered as part of the ASTM MOU program.

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, and environmental and economic conditions. More information on the MOU program can be found on the ASTM International Web site (www.astm.org/GLOBAL).

ASTM Staff Contact: Teresa Cendrowska, Phone: 610-832-9718; tcendrow@astm.org

Release #8562/May 2010