Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Uzcharmsanoat association held a meeting with representatives of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The focus was on the development of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of joint programs.

An exchange of views took place on the implementation of educational programs in Uzbekistan in the leather, footwear and fur industries, training, retraining and certification of qualified personnel for the industry.

It should be noted that GIZ operates in more than 130 countries around the world. It has been cooperating with Uzbekistan since 1992. The activities of the organization in our country are aimed at supporting the private sector, implementing joint programs and projects in agriculture, the chemical industry, education and other areas.

During the dialogue with the leadership of the Association, the issue of introducing the mechanisms of the "dual" education system in case of attracting grant funds to the leather industry under the grant support program was considered.

A large-scale project worth 14 million euros is being implemented throughout the country. Within its framework, a special program has been developed aimed at training and retraining personnel for the leather and footwear industry, and youth will be trained at local enterprises, in vocational colleges and secondary schools on the basis of “dual” education. To do this, GIZ attracts special grants.

Also at the meeting, the issue of creating a subsidiary organization "Fashion, design and innovation in the leather and footwear industry" of the association "Uzcharmsanoat" in Tashkent was considered. Its goal is the training and retraining of personnel in cooperation with local and foreign investors. GIZ was supported by proposals and initiatives to attract external grants to this project, put forward by experts from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, the Uzcharmsanoat Association.

Separately, during the negotiations, the issue of creating a standardization center was considered in order to increase the volume of exports to non-CIS countries of leather and footwear products manufactured in our country. First of all, the Center will provide practical assistance in the implementation of international quality certificates at enterprises and the application of international standards in production. This, in turn, will serve to further enhance the prestige of products under the brand name "Made in Uzbekistan" in foreign markets.