On September 30, 2026, Lassana Adama Kamara, Director General of the Mauritanian National Office for Standardization and Metrology (ONANOR), and Andy Kerreta, President of ASTM International, signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) annual meeting in Paris. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in standardization, metrology, and related fields. This partnership is expected to contribute to the development of Mauritania's quality infrastructure and enhance its national capacities.
The signed memorandum is ASTM International's 129th agreement, reflecting the organization's commitment to supporting the developmental dimension of the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. This cooperation will enable ONANOR to benefit from ASTM International's expertise and experience in standardization, ultimately promoting the development of Mauritania's quality and standardization system.
The agreement aligns with ONANOR's efforts to strengthen partnerships with international institutions and organizations specializing in standardization. By collaborating with ASTM International, ONANOR aims to enhance its capabilities and contribute to the growth of Mauritania's economy. The partnership will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise between the two organizations.
The ISO annual meeting, held in Paris from September 28 to October 2, 2026, brought together representatives from national standardization bodies worldwide. The event provided a platform for discussions on international standardization, quality infrastructure, and related issues. ONANOR's participation in the meeting demonstrates its commitment to engaging with the global standardization community and staying updated on the latest developments in the field.
The cooperation agreement between ONANOR and ASTM International is expected to have a positive impact on Mauritania's economy and trade. By enhancing its standardization and quality infrastructure, the country can improve its competitiveness in the global market, increase its exports, and attract foreign investment. The partnership will also contribute to the development of a more robust and effective quality framework in Mauritania.
ASTM International is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus-based technical standards. With over 12,000 standards in use worldwide, the organization plays a significant role in promoting quality, safety, and performance across various industries. Its partnership with ONANOR will enable the Mauritanian National Office for Standardization and Metrology to leverage ASTM International's expertise and resources.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding between ONANOR and ASTM International marks a significant milestone in the development of Mauritania's standardization and quality infrastructure. As the country continues to strengthen its partnerships with international organizations, it is expected to make progress in enhancing its national capacities and contributing to the growth of its economy.
Key points
- ONANOR and ASTM International have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance standardization and metrology in Mauritania.
- The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in standardization, metrology, and related fields.
- The agreement is expected to contribute to the development of Mauritania's quality infrastructure and enhance its national capacities.
