"The Standards and Metrology Authority" and "Iraqi Standardization" sign a Memorandum of Understanding
"Standards and Metrology Authority" and "Iraqi Standardization" Sign Memorandum of Understanding
March 28, 2022
Engineer Haider Hajja, Director General of the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Authority, and Dr. Hussein Ali Dawood, President of the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) in Iraq, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties. The agreement aims to establish foundations for technical and scientific cooperation to achieve integration in the fields of standards, quality, conformity assessment, training, and calibration. The signing took place at the Embassy of Iraq in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the presence of the Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Mr. Basem Al-Agha.
The memorandum seeks to strengthen cooperation and expand trade exchange between the two countries, particularly in the areas of standards, metrology, and quality. It outlines a working mechanism for the mutual recognition of standards, prioritizing exchanged products between the two parties, and the exchange of information, publications, bulletins, studies, and statistics.
Under the MoU, the parties agreed to adopt the conformity assessment procedures used by the Palestinian side to verify that goods exported to the Republic of Iraq comply with technical regulations or issued standard specifications. Conformity certificates will be issued for all goods and products originating exclusively from Palestine and Iraq, in accordance with the agreed requirements. The memorandum also includes cooperation in training and information exchange related to quality assurance systems and laboratory proficiency testing.
The signing of the agreement is part of the continuous efforts by the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Authority to build international partnerships that facilitate trade and promote access of Palestinian products to global markets. This initiative is supported by the "Tijaar" program (Trade Facilitation and Customs Support), which aims to achieve sustainable economic growth with active participation from the private sector.
The program is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Finance, and is implemented by a coalition led by Cowater International through its offices in Ramallah and Gaza.
Minister of National Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Standards and Metrology Authority, Mr. Khaled Al-Osaily, emphasized the importance of joint efforts for the benefit of both countries. He noted that the Palestinian market is fully open to Iraqi businessmen and products, in line with the strategy of economic disengagement from Israel, as directed by President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian government.
“We need agreements that are implemented through clear mechanisms to bring tangible benefits to both peoples,” Al-Osaily said, calling on the private sectors in both countries to take practical steps to increase the volume of trade between Iraq and Palestine.
Ambassador Al-Agha conveyed greetings from the Palestinian President and government to the Republic of Iraq—its leadership, government, and people—and praised Iraq's steadfast historical positions in support of the Palestinian people and their cause.