Prior to the meeting, a presentation was delivered to the IEC delegation outlining the activities of IT Park and the measures being undertaken to advance the information technology sector in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The delegation was further apprised of the operations of UZINFOCOM and UzSoc, including ongoing initiatives in the development of digital infrastructure, information security, and advanced technologies within the country.

The meeting addressed matters pertaining to the expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the IEC, the implementation of international standards, the training of national specialists, and the engagement of Uzbek experts in the international standard-development process.

It was officially confirmed that, effective January 1, 2027, Uzbekistan will attain full membership status within the IEC. This status will enable the country not only to apply international standards, but also to participate directly, through the IEC's technical committees, in their development and refinement. Consequently, Uzbekistan will become the sole state within Central Asia to hold full membership in the Commission.

Secretary-General Metzger noted that Uzbekistan's cooperation with the IEC commenced in 2015 through participation in the Affiliate Country Programme, that associate member status was granted in 2023, and that full membership was subsequently achieved within a comparatively short period.

According to figures presented at the meeting, the IEC has to date developed more than 11,000 international standards, of which nearly 2,000 have been adopted in Uzbekistan. Substantial potential for further cooperation was noted, particularly in the areas of information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

The parties agreed to reinforce cooperation in the training of national experts, the expansion of their participation in IEC technical committees, and the advancement of international conformity assessment systems.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that the adoption of international standards is of material importance for enhancing the competitiveness of goods manufactured in Uzbekistan and for broadening their prospects for access to foreign markets.