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The Government would continue to encourage the adoption of international standards and keeping up-to-date with the requirements of prevailing standards, a spokesman for the Innovation and Technology Commission said today (October 13), on the eve of World Standards Day.
"With the understanding that standards increase production efficiency, optimise resources, disseminate knowledge and new technologies, and facilitate free trade and fair competition, the Government is keen on promoting internationally accepted standards and conformity assessment services," the spokesman said.
Hong Kong will join the global community in celebration of World Standards Day 2008 tomorrow (October 14). World Standards Day is celebrated every year on October 14 by major international standards organisations, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The theme of World Standards Day this year is "Intelligent and sustainable buildings".
The building and construction sector is one of the largest global industries whose economic, social and environmental impact on both safety and sustainable development is immense. International standards provide the means by which principles in the building and construction sector relating to health, safety and security, energy efficiency, quality of life, integration with information and communication technology networks, interoperability and simplifying design and planning of buildings can be practically applied and implemented efficiently on a global scale, making "intelligent and sustainable buildings" a reality.
Relevant and prevailing international standards are incorporated into the Government's regulatory and procurement requirements where appropriate. The Government explores every opportunity to adopt sustainable design principles in public building projects, such as sustainable planning, energy conservation, waste management, use of materials, operation and maintenance.
"To keep abreast of the latest developments and exchange information and views on international standardisation activities, the Innovation and Technology Commission participates in major international and regional forums relating to standards and conformance issues including the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance, the ISO and the Pacific Area Standards Congress," the spokesman said.
Local businesses are encouraged to participate directly in the work of developing international standards at the ISO. The Commission's Product Standards Information Bureau nominates interested parties to participate in the ISO. It also offers a technical enquiry service and standards sales service and maintains a standards library. Further information is available at http://www.itc.gov.hk/en/quality/psis/about.htm.
The ISO, IEC and ITU develop international standards in diverse fields. The ISO develops standards in almost all sectors including agriculture, construction, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, distribution, transport, medical devices, information and communication technologies, environment, energy, quality management, conformity assessment and services. The IEC prepares and publishes standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies, while the ITU works on global cybersecurity and sets standards for the development of telecommunications networks and services.
Ends/Monday, October 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:01
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