Bengaluru: Aimed at better information sharing and to coordinate on quality infrastructure across emerging markets, BRICS nations Thursday agreed to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in standardisation.The consensus was announced by Union minister for Consumer affairs Prahlad Joshi at the meeting of the heads of the national standards bodies (NSBs) equivalent to India’s BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) held as part of India’s BRICS Summit chairship later this year .After the meeting, Joshi stated that BRICS countries will sign the MoU in Bengaluru to collaborate in the area of standardisation. The minister explained that the move will promote information sharing, exchange of best practices, technical collaboration and capacity building among the member countries.“India firmly believes that standards should be developed through inclusive, transparent, and consensus-based processes that take into account the diverse needs and developmental priorities of all countries.”Nidhi Khare, secretary of the department of consumer affairs, highlighted that working together, the countries can develop standards that not only facilitate trade and technological advancement but also contribute to building a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future.According to the ministry, a common understanding was reached on the draft MoU on Thursday with the NSBs of majority of the BRICS member countries signing it during the meeting. The remaining NSBs committed to sign at the earliest upon completion of the requisite national-level approval processes.Representatives from NSB’s of countries pointed out that the agreement will reinforce quality infrastructure, enhance consumer protection, reduce technical barriers to trade, and strengthen the bloc’s collective engagement with international organizations such as the ISO and IEC.BRICS currently has world’s leading emerging markets and developing countries, representing approximately 49.5% of the global population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of global trade.
