Uzbekistan continues to benefit from strong international relations with the European Union (EU).  A great example of this is the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic, where the EU is funding Agriculture support and Knowledge (ASK) Facility team with international and local experts to help the Ministry and other government institutions to address the increasing issues related to food security, impact of climate change and agrarian policy. The ASK Facility also serves to establish sustainable dialogue and cooperation between the stakeholders in the agri-food sector of the country.

In a recent interview about the EU ASK Facility, H.E. Ms Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan, explained:

The EU has been supporting the agriculture sector for a very long time. Because this is a sector which has so much potential for future employment and it makes such a significant contribution to the national economy. We also see great opportunities to create new income generating possibilities in many of the most remote and vulnerable areas of the country.

Our support aims to help the development of a more productive, competitive, environmentally friendly and consumer friendly agriculture and food sector. We work closely in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and other Ministries and Agencies and we very much appreciate their commitment to the development of the sector. This is why we continue to support the wide-ranging reform agenda that the government is promoting. We also believe that by providing access to the best European and international practices and experience can play an important role in guiding the gradual modernisation of the sector, and open up new opportunities for trade and growth.

The Ambassador's full interview is now available on our website