Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on quality infrastructure.
The initiative aims to meet the UAE’s requirements on entities issuing Halal certificates and contributes to enhancing trade between the two countries.
The MoU was inked on MoIAT’s pavilion in the Green Zone of COP28 by Mr. Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, and Mr. Le Xuan Dinh, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Science and Technology.
The signing was attended by Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at MoIAT, alongside officials from both countries.
Mr. Al Suwaidi remarked that, “The ministry, in line with UAE government directives, focuses on enhancing its national quality infrastructure capabilities as part of its strategic objectives. The system encompasses key pillars such as standards, accreditation, and conformity. These elements play a crucial role in facilitating trade and supporting the needs of partners, including manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers.”
Mr. Al Suwaidi further commented that, “In line with the UAE’s commitment to achieving sustainable economic development, the ministry is keen on strengthening collaboration with relevant authorities globally across all fields related to quality infrastructure. MoIAT works towards harmonizing standards through partnerships with these entities to boost trade, which enhances the competitiveness of national products, expands access to markets, and supports the growth of Halal products.”
Under the MoU, MoIAT will provide technical expertise to the Directorate for Standards, Metrology, and Quality of Vietnam’s (STAMEQ) Halal Certification Agency through the UAE Halal System.
Mr. Dinh stated that, “We are delighted that the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) have signed a MoU in Dubai. This signing will promote scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and the UAE in the fields of standardization, metrology, conformity assessment, and the Halal ecosystem.”
The two countries are currently discussing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to strengthen trade ties.