ASEAN – EC Cooperation on Standards and Conformance ASEAN – US Cooperation on Standards and Conformance

The Report of the 26 th Meeting of the ACCSQ, 4 – 5 August 2005, Manila, Philippines 11 6.1. ASEAN- Korea Cooperation on Standards and Conformance 64. Thailand updated the Meeting on the progress of the ASEAN – Korea Cooperation on Standards and Conformance, including the preparation for the 2 nd ACCSQ-KATS ROK Meeting to be held on 6 August 2005 in Manila, Philippines. Thailand’s paper appears as ANNEX 28. 65. With regard to the activities to cooperate with Korea, the Meeting agreed to discuss further with Korea during the forthcoming consultation on 6 August 2005 including the Article 15 Cooperation on Standards and Conformance under the ASEAN- Korea Framework Agreement. The Meeting also agreed to seek the confirmation from KATS whether it is an agency appointed by Korea Government to cooperate with ACCSQ to undertake cooperation on standards and conformance. 66. The Meeting considered and agreed to amend the draft agenda of the 2 nd ACCSQ-Korea Meeting, which appears as ANNEX 29. 6.2 ASEAN – Japan Cooperation on Standards and Conformance 67. Malaysia briefed the Meeting on the progress of the ASEAN-Japan Cooperation on Standards and Conformance Malaysia’s paper appears as ANNEX 30. 68. The Meeting discussed and agreed on the following: i Member Countries are encouraged to submit proposals to cooperate with Japan in the four sectors of automotive, electronics, rubber-based, and textile and apparels to Malaysia not later than December 2005 so that Malaysia can compile and submit the proposals for Japan to consider funding support in 2007. ii Upon the request of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia will contact Japan to identify the contact person responsible for TQM programme in Japan and procedures for application of additional assistance on this matter. iii The Meeting took note that the proposed session on exchange of information between Japan and the ASEAN Joint Sectoral Committee on EE MRA JSC has not taken place and no response from Japan has been received regarding this activity. In this regard, the Meeting agreed to drop this activity at this time. Malaysia will inform Japan of this decision accordingly.

6.3 ASEAN – EC Cooperation on Standards and Conformance

69. Indonesia reported to the Meeting on the status of the implementation of the EC-ASEAN Regional Economic Cooperation Programme on Standards, Quality and Conformity Assessment, Indonesia’s paper appears as ANNEX 31. The Report of the 26 th Meeting of the ACCSQ, 4 – 5 August 2005, Manila, Philippines 12 70. The Meeting noted with appreciation the efforts taken by the Programme Team in Jakarta, WGs and PWGs in moving forward the successful implementation of the Programme by end of 2005. The Meeting, however, noted the concern on the delay of the implementation of some activities especially in cosmetic sector that may cause the delay in the work programme of the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee. In this regard, the Meeting requested Indonesia to discuss with the Team Leader of the Programme to keep to the original schedules of activities as much as possible. 71. The Meeting also noted concerns raised by Member Countries with regard to the administrative issues. The Meeting requested Member Countries to put up their concerns in writing and submit to Indonesia for compilation and follow-up actions. The Meeting also agreed that all concerns raised by Member Countries if not resolved would be discussed at the next PSC Meeting to be held tentatively on 17-18 September 2005. The Meeting also requested the Programme Team to send out the invitation and draft agenda of the Meeting to Member Countries as soon as possible.

6.4. ASEAN – US Cooperation on Standards and Conformance

72. Vietnam briefed the Meeting on the latest development on ASEAN-US Cooperation on Trade-related Standards and Conformance Issues. Vietnam’s paper appears as ANNEX 32. 73. Member Countries expressed concerns over the delay in implementing the 3 Years ACCSQ- US Action Plan. In this regard, the Meeting agreed on the suggestion of the Madam Co-Chair that ACCSQ conducts an informal meeting with trade officer of the US back to back with the ISO GA Meeting in Singapore in order to discuss all pending issues and decide on the follow-up actions. Viet Nam is requested to follow- up on this matter and inform Member Countries accordingly.

6.5. ASEAN- CER Cooperation