"Idea is an investment which earns interest only in hands of talent”

A. Rivarol

Under market economy conditions the market dictates its own rules and sets requirements on the path of entrepreneurs. Conformity of products and services to customer demand is key to the success and stability of a company, which in turn is reflected in such a process as certification.

A training seminar on "Certification of products, services and management systems" was held in Andijan from 1 to 3 of June, 2011 within the "Enhancement of Living Standards in Fergana Valley" project, jointly implemented by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the European Union and United Nations Development Programme.

The representatives of the district khokimiyats of Shahrihan, Marhamat, Izboskan and Altynkul districts of Andijan region, as well as the representatives from business registration agencies, the Chamber of Commerce and Trade, the district branches of Farmers' Association, offices of the Department for Water and Agriculture, as well as business initiative groups and extension agents have participated in the training.

The trainees were given an opportunity to get familiar with the basics of modern systems of certification of products, services and management systems, as well as to obtain an overview of international ISO standard requirements and their evolution.

"In the context of ongoing reforms in our country in the sphere of economic development, in particular, in creating import-substituting and export-oriented productions, one of the most important issues is the introduction of modern certification systems. I am confident that the material studied during these trainings will surely be prolific"- said at the end of the seminar Tuychiev Ulugbek, the specialist of Business Registration Agency in Altinkul district.

Income generation and new work places creation in rural areas through supporting private initiatives and entrepreneurship is one of priority directions of ELS Program activities financed by European Union and implemented by UNDP with Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan.