The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Standards Australia have joined forces to develop international standards on current and emerging critical technologies across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
The partnership, announced by Standards Australia on Thursday, aims to support safety, security and continued market access in the ASEAN region by guiding the development, adoption and use of international standards.
“Through a range of targeted activities, key outcomes from the partnership will focus on improved engagement and collaboration between national standards bodies, government and businesses at a regional level,” the organisation said.
The announcement of the project follows the launch of the federal government’s International Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy. The strategy outlines Australia’s goals for a safe, secure and prosperous nation, Indo-Pacific, and world, enabled by cyberspace and critical technology.
Today Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs @MarisePayne announced the launch of 🇦🇺’s International Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy https://t.co/SAkC9NuFaE
— Ambassador for Cyber Affairs & Critical Technology (@AusAmbCyberTech) April 21, 2021
Read more: Morrison and Malaysian counterpart to increase trade under elevated partnership
The partnership will be supported through the government’s Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation Program, according to Australia’s ambassador for cyber affairs and critical technology, Dr Tobias Feakin.
“The development of international standards on current and emerging critical technologies plays a crucial role in not only shaping the environment in which technology is used, but also in enabling economic participation,” he said.
Standards Australia chief executive officer Adrian O’Connell said the organisation looked forward to supporting the uptake of critical and emerging technologies.
“Recent years have served as a reminder of the centrality of technology, connectivity and the importance of building more resilient supply chains with our closest partners and neighbours,” he said.
“Critical and emerging technologies have the potential to transform our daily lives, but for these technologies to be successful and used in responsible ways, adequate infrastructure will need to be in place for seamless and secure digital trade.”
Read more: Opinion: technology is crucial to safely powering our economic recovery
Any feedback or news tips? Here’s where to contact the relevant team.