EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Drives Agribusiness Growth, Rising Trade

13 June, 2023. Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Europe is emerging as an important destination for Uzbek agricultural exports according to government officials and business executives who took part in a special webinar on the growing opportunities in Uzbekistan’s agri-food sector.

The webinar was supported by the Ministry and Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union and examined how bilateral cooperation is creating a stronger foundation for the development of Uzbekistan’s large and strategically important agri-food sector and its export potential.

According to data compiled by Uzbekistan’s official statistics body, exports of vegetables and fruits totaled $1.15 billion in 2022, having risen nearly 20 percent year-on-year. But total exports to the EU totaled just $31.7 million, pointing to significant room for growth.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Agriculture Aziz Voitov explained why reforms in the agri-food sector have become such an important aspect of Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the European Union. This cooperation seeks to improve market inclusion and the competitiveness of Uzbek agri-food enterprises, while also helping equip more farmers with the technologies and expertise necessary to grow exports.

The Multi-Annual Indicative Programme, which guides cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan through 2027, makes special mention of the "major growth and export potential” of Uzbekistan’s agri-food sector.

Wim Riepma, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, described how this cooperation seeks to “promote rural livelihoods, create decent jobs, and improve food security and nutrition.”

In 2021, Uzbekistan joined the GSP+ system of preferences permitting 6,200 goods to be exported duty-free to the European Union. Several hundred agri-food enterprises have submitted documents to the Uzbek Export Promotion Agency applying for Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification.

During the webinar, executives from two of Uzbekistan’s largest agricultural exporters discussed the growing demand for Uzbek produce across Europe.

Sardor Abaskhanov, a co-founder of trading company Global Export explained how the European market has grown in importance for Uzbek producers.

“Over the last few years, following repeated disruptions to the global agri-food market, we have learned that it is very risky to depend on one large export market. That is why it is a priority for Uzbek agri-food producers to diversify our exports, especially by selling to the large European market.”

Mirgulom Usmanov, CEO of BMB Trade Group, noted that agri-food companies in Uzbekistan targeting the European market are now cultivating suitable varieties of fruits and vegetables and using the right processing methods.

“We are working directly with over 100 farmers, supplying them the materials and equipment they need to produce fruits and vegetables suitable for the European market. This direct supervision is how we are ensuring quality,” he said.

Alisher Shukurov, an advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasised the importance of testing and certifications for ensuring that Uzbek produce can meet stringent food safety standards in Europe. The government is working to increase its capacity to meet these standards.

“Taking a more innovative approach requires capacity at the agency level. That is why we are expanding training programmes for laboratory staff and launching a new agricultural university in the country with international partners.”

The webinar was hosted by the Europe-Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ) and included over 200 participants