The Valletta-based Malta Standards Authority is holding a free event to raise awareness of the importance of small and medium-sized businesses meeting EU standards on September 16.

The event is funded by the EU and is part of a series of events in the 12 new EU member states. Practical information will be given on how businesses can benefit from standardisation activities. Foreign and local speakers will relate their success stories through the use of standards.

Small and medium enterprises are a vital part of the European economy: they represent 95 per cent of the businesses in Europe and provide 55 per cent of total jobs in the private sector.

Standards - whether national, European or international - can help make running a business easier, safer, and more successful. With one common standard for 30 European countries, a product can reach a far wider market with much lower development and testing costs. European standards also promote interoperability of products and services, and facilitate the uptake of innovation.

Studies have shown the impact and contribution of standardisation on the economy of different countries. Standards, within the European market, have played an essential role in the building of the internal market, allowing manufacturers and consumers to benefit from the elimination of technical barriers to trade and the fulfillment of safety requirements.

For registration, interested participants should contact Robert Grima at the MSA at robert.grima@msa.org.mt.