The 45th Meeting of the CROSQ Council, alongside the Indico Global European Standardisation System (ESS) Workshop, was held on October 9, 2024, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The meeting marked a milestone for collaboration between Caribbean and European Standardisation Organizations (ESO). The event, co-hosted by CROSQ (CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality) and Indico Global, provided a strategic forum for advancing regional and global standards harmonisation.
Through high-level presentations and interactive sessions, the workshop developed a roadmap for deepening Caribbean-European standardisation efforts, supporting market access, and addressing common priorities in sustainable development and resilience.
Outcomes and Key Discussions
CROSQ members learned about opportunities to join CEN and CENELEC as Companion Standardisation Bodies (CSBs) and become ETSI Associate Members. This integration would enable CARICOM (Caribbean Community) experts to participate in technical committees, facilitating standards development and improving CARICOM’s access to global markets.
Additionally, European Standardisation Organisations could empower CROSQ to adopt and distribute European standards regionally, enhancing the international competitiveness of CARICOM goods and services.
Strategic Capacity Building for Global Competitiveness
A strong focus on capacity building emerged as essential for boosting CARICOM’s resilience and competitiveness on the global stage. The workshop underscored collaborative efforts in priority areas such as energy efficiency, digital transformation, sustainable development, cybersecurity, climate resilience, and standardisation education. Such initiatives could strengthen CARICOM’s ability to engage effectively in global standard-setting as well as provide means for an efficient and effective adoption of international standards.
Standards Alignment for Market Access
Aligning CROSQ standards with European counterparts could pave the way for CARICOM product exports to the EU, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and facilitating market entry. Leveraging CROSQ’s Memorandum of Understanding with CEN and CENELEC, both organisations discussed mentorship and technical assistance opportunities to support standards alignment.
ICT Accessibility Standards for Inclusive Development
The workshop highlighted the possible adoption of European ICT (information and communication technologies) accessibility standards as a step toward inclusivity, ensuring access for all users, including people with health conditions or impairments. Adopting respective standards would align CARICOM practices with international best practices in accessible technology.
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for Trade Facilitation
Participant also took into consideration advancing regional Quality Infrastructure. The discussion included the potential for MRAs to streamline product certification across regions, simplifying trade and market access. ESOs offered support to CROSQ to connect with European partners, aiming to enable technical standardisation and, eventually, product certification agreements.
Expanding Cooperation Strategies
Looking ahead, CROSQ and European partners aim to strengthen technical capabilities and policy development through joint workshops, exchange programs, study visits, and knowledge-sharing initiatives on best practices. Such initiatives could be supported by the upcoming open calls for microprojects by the Indico Global project.
The workshop bolstered dialogue between CROSQ and the ESOs, emphasising the importance of a harmonised approach to standardisation for the economic and technological advancement of both regions.
Indico Global will continue to drive the world of digital standardisation, providing updates and insights on the evolving landscape of global standards harmonisation. Stay tuned for more information.
