The healthy partnership established with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology (MASM) and ASTM International six years ago continued in 2009, according to a recent annual report.

MASM approves and publishes all Mongolian standards based on a mutual understanding and voluntary agreement between parties from governmental authorities, industry and business, with regard to consumers' rights.  A 22-member Council that includes representatives from ministries, nongovernmental organizations, academia and various industries oversees MASM.

MASM reports that 20 ASTM International standards were adopted as identical Mongolian national standards in 2009.  In addition, three ASTM standards were used as reference documents in the development of Mongolian national standards.  The ASTM standards used cover various sectors, including concrete, petroleum, roofing, protective coatings, road and paving materials, and alternative energy. More than 20 individuals from Mongolia participate on one or more of ASTM's 141 technical committees.

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 #8588