Following the PASC presentations, PAC celebrated the signing of a number of new agreements. The Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) and the Dubai Accreditation Department (DAC) signed Multilateral Recognition Arrangements (MLAs) for Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS). The Sri Lankan Accreditation Board (SLAB) signed MLAs for QMS, EMS, and Product, while both International Accreditation (IA) Japan and India's National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) signed MLAs for Product. The National Accreditation Body of Indonesia (KAN) signed a MLA for Food Safety Management Systems, becoming the first such signatory. The Bhutan Standards Bureau was presented with an official certificate classifying the group as a new corresponding member, and TCL India signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) that established that organization as a new observer member of PAC. ANSI president and CEO S. Joe Bhatia served as moderator for the evening's lineup of activities, which also included a post-dinner show of traditional Hawaiian music and dance.
Other joint PASC/PAC events during the week included an Opening Ceremony, with welcome remarks provided by Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie [see related story] and introductory remarks provided by Jim Pauley, chair of the ANSI Board of Directors, and a Welcome Reception for all attendees and their guests. In addition, joint meeting breaks and lunches were scheduled whenever possible to encourage the information exchange and collaboration that the event was intended to foster between the two groups.
For more information about the PASC/PAC Joint Annual Meeting and a complete schedule of events, visit the meeting's official site at http://pasc-pac-2013.com. To access pictures from the meeting, click here.