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Partnering and twinning in ISO

It is important that developing countries participate in, and lead, international standardization activities. By so doing, the international standards will reflect the national needs of developing countries and their global relevance will be improved. In addition, developing countries will benefit from the transfer of technology that standards make possible. Participation will provide means to make their products and companies more competitive, increase their market share and enable their exporters to obtain a higher price. They will also see an improved means to stop undesirable low quality imports and increase the potential for attracting investment or procurement whilst stimulating economic activity. International Standards can additionally be utilized to facilitate the development and effectiveness of infrastructures, networks and investment.

The ISO Technical Management Board has therefore devised the concept of partnering and twinning whereby member bodies can work together to build the capacity of the national standards body of a developing country.

The arrangements would normally involve a national standards body from a developed country working with a national standards body of a developing country to carry out the duties of a secretariat or Chair of a committee together. Member bodies can also partner at the technical committee participation level whereby the ISO member body from a developed country would assist the ISO member body from a developing country to represent their views in the technical work.

More information and help is available from the TMB Secretariat tmb@iso.org.