W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.—ASTM International and Mexico's Direccion General de Normas have reached an agreement that promotes communication "to build government and industry awareness of ASTM International as a trusted technical source of information."
The memorandum of understanding between the two standards organizations was signed Oct. 29 by Kathie Morgan, president of ASTM International, and Alfonso Guati Rojo Sanchez, general director of standards in Mexico's Ministry of Economy, which oversees DGN.
"On behalf of ASTM International, I am honored and pleased to participate in this virtual ceremony for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ASTM and DGN," Morgan said. "It is yet another step in ASTM International's work in Mexico and Latin America."
Morgan said the partnership started when the late Luis Ordonez became a member of the ASTM's Board of Directors in the early 2000s. ASTM conducted its initial international Board meeting in Mexico City in 2002.
ASTM will focus on public health and safety, trade and quality of life issues, as well as standards and regulatory education for students and professors.
"To sign this MoU is for us a historical moment," Guati said Oct. 29. "It's very relevant in the evolution of the processes of implementation of the quality infrastructure in Mexico. I am convinced that the signing this agreement today is just the starting point so we can develop and benefit from each other."
Mexico already has a presence in ASTM, as there are about 200 members working on technical committees; 45 companies enrolled in proficiency testing programs; and 350 student members in ASTM from 15 Mexican universities
"Working together, ASTM, DGN and developers of technical requirements in Mexico will be even better able to support innovation, competitiveness, sustainability and climate resilience, through standards that reflect technical quality, market relevance and suitability to the task at hand," Morgan said.