A meeting was held at the Institute for the Development of the National Qualifications System with Mr Wei Lai, Deputy Director of the China–Uzbekistan Centre for Industrial and Educational Integration, and Ms Ran Li, Secretary-General of the Centre.

The discussions focused on the priority areas for developing Uzbekistan’s national qualifications system, the development and improvement of professional standards in line with labour market needs, and the further advancement of the system for assessing occupational skills and qualifications.

Particular attention was given to exploring China’s best practices in the development of vocational education, qualifications assessment, and the integration of industry and education. The parties also discussed prospects for adapting this experience to Uzbekistan’s context and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in these areas.

In addition, the parties explored opportunities for exchanging expertise in the development of professional standards, strengthening the involvement of employers and industry representatives in this process, aligning the quality of workforce training with labour market requirements, and improving mechanisms for assessing occupational qualifications.

Potential areas of cooperation included establishing expert exchange programmes, providing professional development opportunities for vocational education teachers and industry specialists, organising joint seminars and training sessions, and developing joint professional development programmes in vocational education and qualifications assessment.

Following the meeting, both parties expressed their readiness to steadily strengthen cooperation, make effective use of their accumulated experience and expertise, and implement joint initiatives in the agreed areas. They reached an agreement in principle to formalise future cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding and to define its priority areas.

This cooperation is expected to contribute to the further development of Uzbekistan’s national qualifications system, improve the quality of vocational education, and strengthen the alignment between educational provision and labour market needs.