2nd Meeting of Steering Committee on EU funded and UNIDO implemented Project “Support to QI system in Armenia”

Project Steering Committee 2nd meeting for the EU/UNIDO "Support to Quality Infrastructure in Armenia" project was conveyed in Yerevan on February 1st. The event highlighted major achievements and efforts of key stakeholders collaborating to enhance Armenia's quality infrastructure.

Attended by high-profile representatives, the meeting provided a platform to deliberate on the progress report of the project, covering the period from July 2023 to December 2023. Among the attendees were officials from Armenian Government, MoE Deputy Minister, colleagues from EUD to Armenia and UNIDO HQ. Representatives from NBSM, ARMNAB, Market Surveillance Inspection Body, the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen and Chamber of Commerce of Armenia were also at the meeting․

Deputy Minister at MoE, Narek Teryan, who chaired the meeting, said in his opening remarks:

“The Government of Armenia is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable and globally recognized metrology which is the foundation of a modern quality infrastructure system. This project not only focuses on enhancing technical capacity through training and workshops but also aims to enhance the legal and institutional capacity for long-term sustainability and advancement in metrology. I am quite optimistic about the positive impact it will have on various industries and society.”

Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Armenia noted. " This project is important within the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, where together with the Government we look at what should be done in various sectors of the economy.  An important aspect of this involves the adoption and implementation of the EU rules and regulations. This meeting underscores the importance of specific actions and highlights the commitment and responsibility of the government to facilitate a dialogue with the private sector.”

Cong Wu, Project Manager at UNIDO, thanked the meeting participants and the key stakeholders for their close engagement and firm commitment to the project.

“No need to mention how important a modern quality infrastructure or metrology system is to sustainable development and trade. International recognition in the QI or metrology context is also a driving force for sustainability. Integration into international metrology system could help with knowledge sharing, technology transfer and innovation. In this regard, the project supported the Government of Armenia to make informed decision,” stressed Cong Wu.

During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the project progress covering the period from July 2023 to December 2023 was presented, emphasizing key activities. Highlights included the cost/benefit analysis of BIPM and OIML membership with recommendations provided to 16 national stakeholders, the completion of demand survey/assessment of all QI components (standardization, conformity assessment, accreditation, and market surveillance), trainings and collaboration of NBSM staff with international and regional organizations in the field of metrology, progress in the process of procurement and delivery of industrial metrology equipment, review of NBSM's governance structure by an international expert, process of validation of amendments to Metrology Law with national stakeholders.

The reporting period also included UNIDO’s support to the Ministry of Economy in organizing the celebration of World Quality Day 2023. This initiative contributed to raising awareness among public and private stakeholders about the National Quality Infrastructure.

The Steering Committee meeting concluded with approval of the progress report, and the work plan for January-June 2024, outlining the project's upcoming activities and key deliverables during the coming 6 months.

To note, “Support to Quality Infrastructure in Armenia," funded by the EU and implemented by UNIDO, aims to strengthen the capacity of the National Institute of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) to provide sustainable and internationally recognized metrology services. This initiative aligns with Armenia's commitment to implementing the CEPA Agreement with the EU, enhancing trade competitiveness, and maximizing the associated benefits.