About Us:

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector, a leading global exporter of textiles, has been significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic.  The production of masks offered an opportunity to enable manufacturers to continue operation, while addressing global demand.  The challenge is in meeting the requirement of the diverse global market Vietnam supplies 

The mission of IFC, a member of The World Bank Group, is to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing countries, helping to reduce poverty and improve people's lives. Through the PPE Global Advisory Services Project, IFC seeks to support PPE manufacturers in emerging markets to enable the diversification of products and supply chains that can contribute to the strengthening of health systems. 

ASTM International (ASTM), a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards, offers several standards for masks, gowns, gloves, and sanitizers.  ASTM and STAMEQ, Vietnam’s Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality, established a Memorandum of Understanding in 2004.  Linking this partnership with the collaboration enabled by the MoU ASTM signed with IFC, while also engaging regulatory and industry stakeholders, creates a unique, robust foundation for offering relevant technical programs that benefit policy makers, manufacturers, and citizens.  

Led by experts who have been involved in the development of the subject ASTM standards, the technical webinars will enable public and private sector stakeholders to better understand standards for medical and non-medical PPE including masks, gowns, gloves and related products such as sanitizers.  The sessions will promote standards cooperation and good international practices related to the enhancing the adoption, application and role of PPE standards.  

Related publications, outcomes and recommendations will be shared.