Research and development RTD: intelligent manufacturing systems IMS, accession of Korea to the agreements

PURPOSE: to allow the accession of Korea to a multilateral research agreement in the domain of intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS). COMMUNITY MEASURE: Decision 2001/421/EC of the Council concerning the conclusion on behalf of the European Community of an Exchange of Letters recording the common understanding reached on the accession of the Republic of Korea to the common understanding on the principles of international cooperation on research and development activities in the domain of intelligent manufacturing systems between the European Community and the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. CONTENT: an Exchange of Letters was concluded between the European Community and the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada, Norway and Switzerland recording the common understnading on the principles of international cooperation on research and development activities in the domain of intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS) (Council Decision 97/378/EC pf 27 January, OJ L.161 of 18 June 1997, p.1). The Republic of Korea has applied to become a member of IMS according to Chapter IX of the IMS Terms of Reference. The objective of this decision is to authorise this country to participate in the IMS programme on condition that it fully respects the procedures and terms of reference concerning the exchange of letters. As such, Korea is admitted as a new participant in the programme and it will have representation on the International IMS Steering Committee. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 28.05.2001.�