The 45th Meeting of the CROSQ Council, alongside the InDiCo-Global European Standardization System (ESS) Workshop, was held on 9 October 9, 2024, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The meeting marked a milestone for collaboration between Caribbean and European Standardization Organizations (ESO). The event, co-hosted by CROSQ (CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality) and InDiCo-Global (Global International Digital Cooperation on Standards and Related Policy), provided a strategic forum for advancing regional and global standards harmonization.
Through high-level presentations and interactive sessions, the workshop developed a roadmap for deepening Caribbean-European standardization 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 Standardization 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 Standardization 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 standardization 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 organizations 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 considerationadvancing 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 standardization 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, emphasizing the importance of a harmonized approach to standardization for the economic and technological advancement of both regions.
InDiCo-Global will continue to drive the world of digital standardization, providing updates and insights on the evolving landscape of global standards harmonization. Stay tuned for more information.
A version of this article has been published on the official page of the Indico Global Project.
