German-Brazilian Measuring Instruments Partnership
Extensive agreement all around the mutual recognition of measurement results is of advantage for trade between both states
They are unequal partners: vast Brazil, which - viewed economically, however - is regarded as a newly industrialized country; and small Germany with its globally significant industry. As the process of industrialisation is only possible on the basis of a well-organized metrology system, an agreement such as this also involves development assistance. "But Germany itself profits here ultimately", explains PTB President Prof. Dr. Ernst O. Göbel. "After all, significant markets are opening up here - and trade with measuring instruments is an absolutely serious economic factor."
In addition to the mutual recognition of calibration results, the Memorandum of Understanding also comprises joint research activity all around the SI base units (the basis of all measurement), joint development of new measuring instruments and -processes, the participation in international comparison measurements, the exchange of experts, and much more. This applies to the various fields within metrology - from basic research to industrial metrology and also to chemical metrology.
Both presidents signed the Memorandum of Understanding during the Generalkonferenz für Maß und Gewicht (General Conference on Weights and Measures) which was held in Paris from 12 to 16 November.