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DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (March 3, 2011) -- Officials with the Emirates Authority
for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) have signed a memo of understanding
with SEMA that recognizes the growing importance of the specialty equipment
market in the United Arab Emirates.
"ESMA considers the signing of this MoU with SEMA as the starting point for the mutual cooperation between ESMA and SEMA" said Mr. Badri, ESMA Director General.
"The purpose of this MoU is to establish a formal exchange of information between ESMA and SEMA to establish an ongoing dialogue as the UAE government seeks to develop a legal framework to support its fledgling specialty equipment market.
Based on this MoU, SEMA could help ESMA and other related parties in UAE, nominated by ESMA, by transferring its long experience in the specialty equipment market to UAE, providing the advice and technical support, conducting joint training courses and workshops in this field, responding to ESMA's requests for market data and information on trends and anticipated developments worldwide, allowing ESMA to benefit from SEMA's educational services, providing ESMA with all information about trademarks, patents and copyrights, beside a links to portals of useful information, keeping ESMA updated with all relevant legislative issues that arise." Mr. Badri added.
"SEMA has a tradition of bringing government and industry together to promote the legitimate growth of the marketplace," said Linda Spencer, Director of International and Government Relations for SEMA. "This is an important step in creating harmony between business and regulators. We applaud ESMA in this forward looking effort," she added.
In the coming months ESMA and SEMA will collaborate on educational programs and support services for stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the customization industry. The goal is to create a regulatory framework which will lead to heightened safety and environmental solutions by engaging business and government.
"Specialty equipment products are an important element of our business here in the Emirates," said Mitch Perera, Sales and Marketing Manager of Liberty Motorsports. "This work is addressing our business and the interests of our customers."
About ESMA:
By virtue of the Federal Law No. 28 of 2001, the Emirates Authority for Standardization
and Metrology (ESMA) mandated as the authorized government agency responsible
for the development of national standards. Such authority is given for the
purpose of providing safety and health, economic and environmental protection,
by ensuring that services, consumer products and other materials are safe, of
high quality and in conformity with relevant Standards. ESMA, in support to the
national economic development is also mandated to stay up-to-date with
scientific development in the field of standards, specifications, and
management systems and shall be responsible for the promotion of the different
standardization-related activities. In addition, as per UAE Ministerial
Decision No. 114/2 of 2004, ESMA is mandated to adopt international standards,
other regional and national standards relevant to the environmental conditions
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in the absence of a UAE or Gulf Standards.
About SEMA:
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents
the $29 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,461 member-companies. It is
the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth
information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides
appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for
passenger and recreational vehicles.