Russia and Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of standardization. The MoU was formalized by Russia’s Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart) and the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and marksw a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the signing, Mr. Anton Shalaev, head of Rosstandart, led an eight-member Russian delegation on a visit to the SAZ offices in Harare.
"Zimbabwe has always supported the initiatives of the Russian Federation within ISO and we also try to support the initiatives coming from the Standards Association of Zimbabwe," said Shalaev. "Despite this history of communication, this is a very important event not because of the MoU, but because it is the very first official meeting on bilateral basis between the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and the Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology from Russia."
The collaboration aims to bridge the gap in standardization and facilitating trade between Zimbabwe and Russia. The MoU covers a wide range of areas, including harmonizing standards, building capacity and exchanging technical expertise to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Both organizations are full members of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and are committed to promoting a culture of quality and standardization to support domestic and international trade.
"As members of ISO we have contributed, together with experts dotted around the globe, to develop more than 25 000 standards to date. These standards, if they are widely used by our two countries, will not only contribute to our common vision of making lives easier, better and safer but also to the attainment of the UN sustainable goals," SAZ acting director-general Cosmas Mukoyi said.