UAE to Host Inaugural Asia-Pacific Accreditation Cooperation Annual Meetings from July 13

The United Arab Emirates is poised to host the prestigious Asia-Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) annual meetings for the first time, scheduled from 13th to 18th July.

Themed ‘Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future,’ the event will convene representatives from 68 national accreditation bodies alongside experts in accreditation and conformity assessment from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS), Emirates International Accreditation Center (EIAC), and the GCC Accreditation Center (GAC), the meetings will feature technical committee sessions to review cutting-edge developments in international accreditation practices.

APAC meetings serve as a pivotal platform for member bodies to address key accreditation issues, exchange best practices, and pursue mutual recognition agreements crucial for facilitating international trade. Discussions will focus on enhancing accreditation processes, promoting global cooperation, and exploring innovations in quality assurance and standards.

Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, underscored the significance of hosting the APAC meetings, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to advancing global accreditation standards. He expressed anticipation in fostering a collaborative environment that contributes to the evolution of robust accreditation systems worldwide.

The UAE’s initiative aligns with its strategic objectives to become a global industry and innovation hub, fortified by a robust framework of quality assurance and standards. Anticipated outcomes include greater harmonization among APAC member bodies, reinforcing the region’s accreditation landscape.

Established in 2019 through the merger of the Asia-Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC), APAC promotes mutual recognition of conformity assessments to bolster international trust in member states’ products and services.

News Source: Emirates News Agency