The 66th session of the Executive Council of the Arab Industrial Development, Standardization, and Mining Organization (IDSMO) took place in Agadir, Morocco, from 19-21 November 2024. This session brought together delegations from 11 Arab countries and underscored the region’s ongoing commitment to industrial advancement, standardisation, and economic development.
A significant highlight of the session was the participation of Dr. Jesmond Hong, Chief Operating Officer of the International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT). Dr. Hong’s involvement exemplified the importance of international collaboration in fostering industrial transformation across the Arab region. During the session, Eng. Adel Al-Saqr, the Director General of IDSMO, signed a pivotal cooperation agreement with Dr. Hong, aimed at driving sustainable industrial transformation. As a token of appreciation for their collaboration, Eng. Al-Saqr presented Dr. Hong with a commemorative shield. This symbolic gesture further solidified the strategic partnership between IDSMO and INCIT, focusing on advancing industrial innovation, economic growth, and sustainability within the Arab world.
The cooperation agreement represents a significant step forward in fostering industrial and technological advancement across the Arab region. It also reflects the growing role of international organisations such as INCIT in contributing to regional development. The Arab region is undergoing rapid industrial modernisation and partnerships like the one between INCIT and IDSMO are essential in ensuring that this transformation is both innovative and sustainable. INCIT’s expertise in industrial transformation, coupled with IDSMO’s regional leadership, will work toward creating a more resilient and competitive industrial sector in the Arab region.
In addition to this key partnership, the session also marked significant achievements for the Arab region in the global standardisation arena. Egypt was selected to assume the presidency of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the 2026-2028 period. This achievement highlights the growing influence of Arab nations in global standardisation bodies, particularly in areas critical to industrial development. Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates secured a position on both the ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) boards. These milestones are a testament to the ongoing efforts of Arab countries to enhance their global presence and leadership in international standards, which are crucial for fostering industrial growth and economic development.
The session also addressed key regional initiatives designed to strengthen industrial cooperation across Arab countries. One such initiative is the Arab Platform for Future Minerals (APFM), which aims to streamline the minerals sector and foster collaboration in the extraction and processing of minerals. This platform is critical for the Arab region, which is rich in mineral resources but faces challenges in fully leveraging them for economic development. By facilitating better information-sharing and partnerships, APFM will play a key role in unlocking the full potential of the region’s mineral wealth.
Another important initiative discussed was the Arab Industrial Integration Strategy. This strategy seeks to improve industrial productivity and support stronger ties between Arab countries. The goal is to create a more integrated industrial ecosystem, fostering greater collaboration between member states. This integration is expected to enhance the region’s overall competitiveness, reduce reliance on external markets, and drive sustainable growth.
Dr. Hong’s participation in the session, representing INCIT, underscores the importance of such strategic partnerships in advancing the industrial agenda for the Arab region. By engaging with IDSMO, INCIT continues to play a vital role in supporting the Arab region’s efforts to achieve its long-term economic goals. As the region moves towards greater industrialisation and technological advancement, partnerships between international organisations like INCIT and regional bodies like IDSMO are crucial for ensuring that the Arab world remains competitive on the global stage.
In conclusion, the 66th session of the IDSMO Executive Council served as an important milestone in advancing industrial cooperation, standardisation, and mining across the Arab region. With the signing of new agreements and the achievement of significant milestones in global standardisation, the session highlighted the Arab world’s increasing role in shaping the future of industrial development. Through strategic collaborations, such as the one with INCIT, the region is poised to achieve sustainable growth and lead in the global industrial landscape.
