In an agreement signed in Paris, ISO and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – the world business organization – have agreed to explore and develop new ways of working together.
The partnership brings significant benefits to both parties. For ICC it is a reflection of the important role that international standards play in international trade, as well as the numerous solutions that ISO standards bring to businesses of all sizes. Representing more than 45 million businesses in over 130 countries, the ICC membership comprises a wide diversity of cultures, sectors and sizes.
One of ISO's ambitions for the partnership is to enable and empower businesses through standards. Through this collaboration ISO intends to better understand the ways in which it can respond to the changing needs of business, and SME's in particular.
Speaking after the signing-ceremony, which was held at ICC's headquarters in Paris, ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica expressed his hopes for the new partnership.
ISO standards support business in many ways. By working with ICC we are hoping to encourage wider participation in standards development, better understand the changing needs of business, and spread the message that enterprises of all sizes can benefit from ISO standards.
Highlighting the relevance of standards in powering trade, ICC Secretary General John Denton expressed his hopes for closer cooperation between his organization and ISO.
Standards are a critical element of the trade landscape. By ensuring quality and safety in both product and services, establishing trust and reducing transaction costs, they facilitate the process of trading across borders and stimulate economic growth. As the voice of global business, we look forward to working with ISO to increase the participation of the private sector in the development of international standards.
The Memorandum of Understanding between ISO and ICC was signed on December 6th, 2022, at the ICC headquarters, Paris, France.
Sergio MujicaSecretary-General, ISO
John DentonSecretary General, ICC