Standards Australia strengthens global engagement as international standards shape economies

International standards are central to global trade and economic growth. They influence everything from food labelling to digital networks and are recognised as essential infrastructure for development, according to the World Bank’s World Development Report 2025: Standards for Development.

The report notes that demand for standards is growing, but many developing countries lack the resources and expertise to contribute to setting them. Broader and more strategic participation is necessary to ensure that standards reflect diverse development needs and contexts.

Countries that help shape standards can influence rules that support their industries and consumers. Standards Australia plays an important role in this space, representing our country in global forums and collaborating with government, industry, and community stakeholders. We also support Asia-Pacific countries through training and development, helping them take part in international standard-setting.

Recent examples include:

• Supporting the establishment of the Pacific Island Standards Committee (PISC), endorsed by Pacific Island Forum Trade Ministers as the first Pacific regional standards body in July 2025, as part of the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative.
• Completing the Strengthening Collaboration on Standardisation for Quantum Technologies project under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), laying the foundation for harmonised approaches to quantum technology standards across the region.
• Delivering training initiatives such as digital transformation across the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), a three-year program on Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) in Southeast Asia, study visits on disaster preparedness in the Pacific; and Responsible AI training in Southeast Asia.
• Continuing support for Fiji and Tonga to advance standards development and join international meetings.

International standards are more than technical documents – they enable innovation, trade, and economic resilience. Standards Australia’s work ensures Australia and our regional partners remain connected and competitive in a global economy built on common rules.

🌏 Learn more about our international initiatives: International Engagement

📄 Read the World Bank official article: International Standards Proliferate, Reshaping Global Economy: Too Many Developing Countries Are Left Behind, Report Finds