Publications and Resources

This project supports ASEAN Member States—especially those under the Initiative for ASEAN Integration—in strengthening their Quality Infrastructure (QI) systems to enhance regional economic integration. Through collaboration with ASEAN's technical working groups, the project develops regionally harmonized guidelines, improves institutional capacities, and fosters awareness among policymakers and industry. The expected outcomes include enhanced trade opportunities, increased competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, and broader access to reliable QI services across the region.

This project aims to strengthen Nepal’s Quality Infrastructure (QI) to support sustainable economic development and international market integration. Through a multi-level approach, it enhances national metrology systems, food safety testing, and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical and dairy sectors. Core activities include technical training, accreditation support, and equipment provision for key institutions such as the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM), the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), and sectoral business associations. The project aligns with Nepal’s Trade Integration Strategy and contributes to SDGs 8, 9, and 17, with indirect benefits for food safety and healthcare.

This project supports the upgrading of Pan-African Quality Infrastructure (QI) to facilitate economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through strategic policy advice, capacity development, and organizational strengthening, the project assists the African Union Commission and AfCFTA Secretariat in implementing Annex 6 on Technical Barriers to Trade. It promotes harmonization of standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures across regional economic communities. By reducing non-tariff barriers and aligning QI with international norms, the project contributes to trade facilitation, regional integration, and inclusive economic growth across the continent.

This evaluation assesses the four-year regional project (2020–2024) led by PTB in cooperation with the Organization of American States and regional quality infrastructure (QI) institutions to enhance the role of QI in supporting circular economy (CE) transitions in Latin America and the Caribbean. Using OECD-DAC evaluation criteria, the project was rated positively across relevance (1.8), coherence (2.5), effectiveness (1.5), efficiency (2.0), impact (1.5), and sustainability (1.7). The project successfully facilitated institutional capacity building, regional cooperation, and integration of QI services into CE frameworks using tools like CABUREK and CALIDENA. Despite some limitations in inter-agency collaboration and the evolving definition of CE, the evaluation found significant contributions to policy development, service innovation, and cross-border partnerships. The project is shown to have strengthened the strategic and technical readiness of regional QI systems to support sustainable, circular economic models.

This evaluation assesses the four-year regional project (2020–2024) led by PTB in cooperation with the Organization of American States and regional quality infrastructure (QI) institutions to enhance the role of QI in supporting circular economy (CE) transitions in Latin America and the Caribbean. Using OECD-DAC evaluation criteria, the project was rated positively across relevance (1.8), coherence (2.5), effectiveness (1.5), efficiency (2.0), impact (1.5), and sustainability (1.7). The project successfully facilitated institutional capacity building, regional cooperation, and integration of QI services into CE frameworks using tools like CABUREK and CALIDENA. Despite some limitations in inter-agency collaboration and the evolving definition of CE, the evaluation found significant contributions to policy development, service innovation, and cross-border partnerships. The project is shown to have strengthened the strategic and technical readiness of regional QI systems to support sustainable, circular economic models.