Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A meeting was held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the USA with Vice President of the International Road Federation (IRF) for international relations, Magid Elabyad, during which the prospects for Uzbekistan’s joining the IRF were discussed.

The International Road Federation is a non-profit organization established in 1948. The main objectives of the IRF are to assist members of this organization in the development of modern road structures, equipment and high-quality road-building materials with the introduction of innovative technologies, the development of services and infrastructure along highways based on international standards and the training of personnel in order to increase knowledge in effective management in road construction industry.

The IRF annually holds international conferences to which foreign officials, state and private organizations and major transport companies, as well as leading educational institutions and experts in the road sector, are invited.

According to M. Elabyad, the participation of Uzbekistan in the activities of the International Federation of Roads will allow the country to receive information on the latest achievements and technologies in the road industry, exchange experience with other countries in the construction of highways, the installation of road signs and markings, and the improvement of territories adjacent to the highway.

In addition, if Uzbekistan joins the International Road Federation, the IRF will provide quotas for short-term courses at various US universities in order to increase knowledge in the management and effective management of its financial assets in the road construction sector.

Each year, the IRF sends about 15-20 candidates to study in educational institutions of the United States of America. To date, over 1,800 graduates from 80 countries have completed IRF courses. Among the famous graduates are the Ministers of Transport of Japan, Bahrain, the head of the Hong Kong Road Development Committee.

Currently, 118 countries are members of the International Road Federation.

Uzbekistan’s entry into the International Federation of Roads is provided for by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to further improve the management system of the road industry” from 9 December 2019, which defines the tasks for joining international organizations in the field of roads.