Enhancing cooperation in standards, metrology, and quality

<p style="text-align: justify;">Within the framework of his working visit to South Korea, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh led a Viet Namese delegation to work with the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) on July 27, 2026. The meeting aimed to exchange experiences in policy and legal development, as well as the advancement of South Korea’s standards, metrology, and quality systems.</p>

Joining the delegation were Mr. Nguyen Nam Hai, Chairman of the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality of Viet Nam (STAMEQ); representatives from STAMEQ units; delegates from the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment; and representatives from the Department of Civil and Economic Law.

Representing South Korea were Mr. Kim Daeja, Administrator of KATS, along with leaders of divisions responsible for standards policy, conformity assessment policy, international standards cooperation, and metrology.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by KATS and highly praised the long-standing cooperative relationship between KATS and STAMEQ over the years.

Highlighting that Viet Nam and South Korea have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh emphasized that cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and national quality infrastructure holds growing significance, contributing to the socio-economic development and international integration of both nations.

The Deputy Minister noted that Viet Nam is currently drafting amendments to the Law on Metrology, aiming to establish a modern, transparent legal framework aligned with international practices. The revision seeks to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of state management in metrology, strengthen legal metrology governance, innovate post-inspection and risk-management methodologies, and meet the development demands of the economy in the new era.

The Vietnamese delegation sought to learn from South Korea's experiences regarding its legal system, state management mechanisms in metrology, organizational structures, delineation of responsibilities among agencies, and policies for developing the national metrology system and National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). These insights serve as valuable references for Viet Nam as it refines its policies and laws.

During the meeting, KATS Administrator Kim Daeja introduced the agency's core functions, mandates, and strategic policy orientations in standards, metrology, and conformity assessment.

At the working session, the two sides discussed current metrology policies and future development orientations; the system of laws, decrees, and subordinate legal documents on metrology; state management models for metrology; decentralization mechanisms; post-inspection and risk management activities; and the pivotal role of metrology in supporting innovation, industrial development, and national competitiveness.

Furthermore, both parties shared experiences in building and operating the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), fostering synergy among standards, metrology, conformity assessment, and accreditation to help businesses improve productivity and product quality, meet international market requirements, and promote trade.

Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh expressed his hope that the South Korean Government and KATS will continue to accompany Viet Nam through technical cooperation programs, expert exchanges, human resource training, and capacity-building projects in metrology and NQI development. He proposed that the two agencies expand bilateral cooperation activities to support the finalization of the Law on Metrology and the modernization of Viet Nam’s standards, metrology, and quality systems.

Concluding the meeting, leaders from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing information exchange, sharing expertise, and fostering substantive cooperation between KATS and STAMEQ. This partnership will actively contribute to upgrading national quality infrastructure, driving innovation and sustainable development in each country, and further deepening the science and technology cooperation between Viet Nam and South Korea./.