October 20, 2008
NOTE: This information is from a previously printed press release, newsletter, or other dated document. It is presented here for archival purposes only.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Oct. 20, 2008 -- Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world-leading standards setting and product safety testing organization, announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Quatest 3, Vietnam, one of the leading conformity assessment organizations in Vietnam. The signing ceremony was witnessed by, Dr. Ngo Quy Viet, Director General of Directorate for Standards and Quality (STAMEQ).
Under the MOU, UL and Quatest 3 will recognize each other's test results or evaluations as basis for providing the certification required by a manufacturer according to the applicable standards. The cooperation covers conformity assessments of manufacturers' products, components, materials and systems and the certification of products according to national and international standards.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the MOU, at Ho Chi Minh City, Sajeev Jesudas, President (International) of Underwriters Laboratories said "this agreement will provide a boost to international trade by allowing both organizations to respond efficiently to Vietnamese manufacturers who intend to export their products to overseas markets and also for international manufacturers who intend to sell their products in the Vietnam market."
"UL will recognize a manufacturer's products that have been tested and evaluated by Quatest 3 and issue the UL certification provided the requirements of the relevant UL standards are met. Similarly, a product that has a UL Mark will be accepted by Quatest 3 as meeting local market requirements and will not be subject to additional tests", added Jesudas.
Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters will benefit from the cooperation as the UL Mark is considered as the "Gold Standard" and the most recognized mark for safety and reliability in the world. Millions of consumers worldwide, and particularly in the United States, rely on the UL Mark in making purchase decisions.
"Today, we are opening an exciting new chapter for Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters. Going forward, they will have easier access to retailers and consumers around the world who demand high product safety and quality", said John H. Schmidt, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Underwriters Laboratories.
"This is a perfect alliance between two strong partners", added Dr. Ngo Quy Viet, Director General of STAMEQ. "Over the past 30 years, Quatest 3 has become one of the leading conformity assessment organizations in Vietnam. The MOU between UL and Quatest 3 will now bring global reach to local manufacturers. Further, the agreement with UL will raise the overall bar for safety in the Vietnamese market place."
"This MOU provides a great opportunity for Quatest 3 and UL to help Vietnamese manufacturers and traders gain access to both local and global market by ensuring their products meet international standards and/or technical regulations," said Mr. Tran Van Dung, Director of Quatest 3.
UL also announced the opening of its Vietnam Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh. "Vietnam is a critical addition to our ASEAN footprint, and a focus area for future investments," stated Mr. JC Sekar, Managing Director (ASEAN) for UL.
About Underwriters Laboratories:
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing Standards for Safety for over a century. UL evaluates more than 19,000 types of products, components, materials and systems annually with 21 billion UL Marks appearing on 71,000 manufacturers' products each year. UL's worldwide family of companies and network of service providers includes 62 laboratory, testing and certification facilities serving customers in 104 countries.
About Quatest 3:
Quality Assurance and Testing Center 3 (Quatest 3) is a Science-Technological Organization of Directorate for Standards and Quality (STAMEQ) under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Vietnam. Quatest 3 was established in May 1976. Quatest 3 has a team of experienced and professional staff and technical experts, testing laboratories equipped with hi-tech instruments and tools, all in compliance with internationally recognized standards. Under Asean sectoral mutual recognition agreement on electrical and electronic equipment (Asean EE MRA) - Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines have recognised QUATEST 3 as conformity assessment body (listing testing laboratory) in the field of electrical and electronic equipment. Quatest 3 is recognized as a reliable partner to the business community and one of the most reliable organizations in Vietnam providing testing, calibration, inspection and product certification. For more information, visit: www.quatest3.com.vn