In October 2018, UzStandart, the Uzbek Agency for Standardization, Metrology, and Certification, requested CLDP’s assistance in reaching out to ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials), with the goal of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). On April 11, 2019, CLDP received news that its efforts resulted in the parties’ executing an agreement. ASTM is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services, with over 12,500 standards operating globally. MOUs constitute the centerpiece of ASTM’s global outreach. The MOU with ASTM will provide UzStandart with access to ASTM standards and with input into developing new standards, among other benefits. The MOU also promotes sustainable development by furthering a development model based on private sector activity and increases market access. CLDP’s work in Central Asia seeks to facilitate increased trade based on international best practices including through regional and bi-lateral collaboration with standard-setting multilateral organizations such as ASTM.