Uzbekistan Joins International Institute of Welding

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has officially joined the International Institute of Welding (IIW), creating additional opportunities to implement global standards, advance professional training, and improve industrial manufacturing quality. The official welcoming of Uzbekistan into the IIW community took place during the organization's 79th General Assembly in 2026.

Welding technologies are extensively utilized across mechanical engineering, energy, construction, the oil and gas sector, rail transport, and equipment manufacturing. Enhancing the quality of welding operations directly impacts the reliability and safety of industrial products and critical infrastructure.

Membership in the IIW provides access to a global professional and technological ecosystem uniting specialists, researchers, industry leaders, and educational institutions. The institute focuses on knowledge exchange, advancing joining and welding technologies, developing international standards, and refining education, qualification, and certification systems.

For Uzbekistan, membership opens avenues to integrate internationally recognized framework systems for training specialists. The IIW maintains standardized qualification tracks, including International Welding Engineer, International Welding Technologist, International Welding Specialist, International Welding Practitioner, and International Welding Inspector.

Harmonizing national qualification requirements with global benchmarks is expected to increase the competitiveness of Uzbek specialists and streamline local enterprises' integration into global manufacturing supply chains.

Compliance with international requirements regarding weld quality, manufacturing processes, and personnel qualifications is also vital for participating in major international industrial and infrastructure projects.

A key focus will be developing the national system for specialist training and certification. The IIW offers globally harmonized training models and mechanisms for authorizing national organizations to administer accredited programs.

The Almalyk State Technical Institute has been officially designated as Uzbekistan's national representative within the IIW. Membership lays the foundation for developing a national infrastructure for international qualification and certification in welding.

Active participation in IIW working groups will enable Uzbek specialists to collaborate with the international expert community, contribute to technical discussions, and adopt cutting-edge industry practices. This is particularly relevant as automated, robotic, and digital manufacturing technologies continue to advance.

Consequently, joining the IIW serves as a strategic driver for Uzbekistan's industrial modernization, workforce development, implementation of global quality standards, and expansion of export potential.