Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,

It is a pleasure to be with you today. We are here to discuss a topic that is fundamental to modern economies: the role of standardization in supporting trade, investment, and sustainable growth. I am honored to present the European Union’s experience — an example that may offer valuable lessons as Turkmenistan and other countries in Central Asia strengthen their integration with the global economy.

In today’s interconnected world, international standards are more than just technical guidelines; they are the bedrock of global commerce. Organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and Codex Alimentarius develop these standards, which define best practices for everything from product safety and quality to environmental protection and technological compatibility.

Why are these standards so important? Firstly, they dismantle technical barriers to trade. Imagine a world where every country had completely different requirements for the same product. Businesses would face a costly and complex maze of testing and certification to sell their goods internationally. International standards harmonize these requirements, making it easier and cheaper for businesses to access new markets.

Secondly, and crucially, these standards foster investor confidence. When companies adhere to standards like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or ISO 45001 for workplace safety, they signal to investors that they are reliable, transparent, and well-governed. This, in turn, attracts more investment, which fuels economic growth.

The European Union standardization system

The European Union offers a compelling example of how standardization can drive economic integration. The EU's Single Market, which allows the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital across 27 Member States, is built upon a sophisticated system of standardization.

This system is based on the New Legislative Framework (NLF), which combines legal requirements with voluntary technical standards. EU laws set out the essential requirements for things like health, safety, and consumer protection. Then, European Standards Organizations develop the detailed technical specifications that companies can follow to meet those legal requirements.

This guarantees a transparent, predictable system for businesses, investors, and consumers. 

When products comply with these Harmonized European Standards, they are presumed to conform to EU law, significantly simplifying their access to the entire Single Market. While technically voluntary, complying with these standards provides a major competitive advantage.

It is a system that removes trade barriers, strengthens trust, and fosters innovation — all while protecting consumers, workers, and the environment.

European Union Standardization: General Principles

European standardization is firmly based on the principles of the World Trade Organization: coherence, transparency, openness, consensus, and voluntary application.

Standards eliminate technical barriers to trade, facilitate the free movement of goods and services, and enable technological innovation across the European Union.

They are a powerful tool — not just for businesses, but for economic integration and public trust.

EU standards – The Economic Power and a Market Tool

The impact of standards on the EU economy is substantial and well-documented. Studies have shown that standardization contributes up to 1% of the GDP in EU Member States. In countries like Germany, the effective use of standards has been linked to over 30% of productivity growth.

Consider this: a single European Standard can replace dozens of conflicting national standards. This creates legal certainty for businesses, reduces costs, and streamlines operations across the entire European market. This efficiency translates into economic growth and a stronger, more competitive Europe.

What is also worth to notice is that In Europe, standardisation is largely a voluntary process led by industry itself.

Experts from the private sector come together to develop standards that reflect real-world needs.

This model ensures that standards remain practical, relevant, and widely accepted.

Why EU Standards Matter to You

The EU's experience offers valuable lessons for countries around the world, including those in Central Asia and Turkmenistan. As you seek to enhance your trade relationships and attract foreign investment, aligning with international standards, and particularly understanding the influence of EU standards, becomes increasingly important.

Here's why:

• Access to the World's Largest Market: The EU is one of the world's largest and most influential markets. Many countries seeking to export their goods and services must meet EU standards to gain access. This creates a powerful incentive for global alignment.

• Setting the Global Benchmark: EU standards often become de facto global benchmarks. Because of the size and influence of the EU market, when the EU sets a standard, it often becomes the standard that other countries and industries adopt.

• Enhancing Competitiveness: By aligning with EU standards, businesses in other countries can enhance their competitiveness not only in the EU market but also in the global marketplace. It demonstrates a commitment to quality, safety, and reliability that is valued by customers and investors worldwide.

• Facilitating Trade: Adopting EU standards, or similar international standards, reduces the need for duplicative testing and certification. This streamlines trade processes, lowers costs, and accelerates the movement of goods across borders.

• Attracting Investment: As mentioned earlier, adherence to recognized standards signals stability and reliability to international investors. For countries seeking to attract foreign direct investment, demonstrating a commitment to international best practices, as reflected in standards, is crucial.

• Consumer Protection and Safety: EU standards are known for their high level of consumer protection and safety. Countries that align with these standards demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of their citizens, which enhances trust and confidence in their markets.

Lessons for Central Asia and Turkmenistan

International standards, particularly those developed and implemented by the European Union, play a vital role in promoting trade, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable economic development. They reduce trade barriers, build investor confidence, and ensure the quality and safety of products and services. 

For countries like Turkmenistan and others in Central Asia, aligning with these standards is not just about meeting technical requirements; it is about unlocking their economic potential, integrating into the global marketplace, and building a more prosperous future.

Standards relevant to Central Asia include those related to agricultural practices (GlobalG.A.P.), the oil and gas industry (ISO 29001), information security (ISO/IEC 27001), food safety (ISO 22000 and HACCP), and laboratory quality (ISO/IEC 17025). By adopting these standards, Turkmenistan and other countries in the region can:

• Enhance the competitiveness of their exports.

• Improve their attractiveness to international investors.

• Facilitate their accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by aligning with international quality infrastructure.

Conclusion

I hope I somehow convinced you that the EU experience demonstrates that a robust standardization framework is a powerful tool for driving economic growth and enhancing global competitiveness. And that reaching standards set by the EU helps to reach the most difficult markets.

I warmly invite you to explore more through the European Commission’s Single Market portal and I remain at your disposal for any questions you may have.

I thank you for your attention.