Case Study Organisation: International Accreditation New Zealand Theme: Promotion of the MRAs to Government

Country Population: 4.2 million GDP: 103,837 US$ bn GDP per head: 24,973 US$ Number of Accredited Customers: 630 Accreditation Body Staff Headcount: 45 Incorporation: 1972

Promotion of the MRA to Government Objective: To ensure that the relevant Government authorities related to international trade are aware of the APLAC and ILAC MRAs, both within the NZ economy and New Zealand’s export markets Promoting the removal of technical barriers to trade.

Methodology The creation of a guidance document including: –sourcing contacts in both local economy and overseas. –Ready-made letter templates

I draw your attention to the trading relationship between our two countries..now recognize inspection, testing and calibration reports as being technically equivalent …you may find our success in this area a useful example to be cited on appropriate occasions ….. …the acceptance of reports in both countries is a trade facilitation issue….. An explanation of the technical standards and the robustness of the MRA

NZ ECONOMY Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Trade and Industry Ministry of Economic Development Desk officer specifically responsible for the MRA signatory economy: MRA PARTNER ECONOMY Senior diplomatic representatives of the MRA partner economy, e.g. Ambassador or High Commissioner Senior trade representatives of MRA partner economy, e.g. Trade Commissioner Business Associations and Business Councils Senior diplomatic representatives for NZ overseas, e.g. Ambassador or High Commissioner The NZ trade representative overseas, e.g. Trade Commissioner.

How do you identify the contacts? Asking for advice?

IANZ results The results 67 letters sent since 2003 including: –NZ officials overseas (note some have responsible for more than one economy) –Foreign officials based in NZ –NZ Regulators with interest in MRA 14 proactive responses received

Outcomes Awareness raised with senior trade officials Message promoted to wider network Only cost is staff time for administrative and research time

Available as a download Originally developed by IANZ, and then APLAC It has now adapted for all ILAC members Guidance document and letter templates can be downloaded from the ILAC website

Available as a download