On February 19, as part of a working visit to the Russian Federation, a delegation of Uzbekistan led by Jamshid Khojayev met with the Minister of Agriculture of Russia, Dmitry Patrushev.

According to Dmitry Patrushev, Uzbekistan is an important partner of Russia, including in the field of agriculture. At the end of 2018, agricultural products and foodstuff turnover between the countries increased by more than 20% and amounted to about $555 million.

Exports of Russian products grew by 15%, to $355 million. Almost 40% of supplies come from oils and fats of plant origin, as well as their processed products, including sunflower oil and margarine. In addition, Russia exports sugar and confectionery, various types of food products, soybean meal and others to Uzbekistan and further, and is interested in expanding supplies.

In turn, Uzbekistan exports fruits and vegetables, nuts, juices and alcoholic beverages to the Russian market. Last year exports of Uzbek goods exceeded $200 million.

Thanks to the agreements of the two countries on the organization of a "green corridor" and cooperation in the field of phytosanitary supervision, mutual trade turnover is expected to further increase in 2019. 

The parties expressed their willingness to share their accumulated experience in crop production, fish farming, science and technology, to work together on issues of digitization of agriculture and other fields.

At the end of the talks, it was decided to continue the discussion of further cooperation in the framework of the upcoming Uzbekistan-Russia working group meeting on agriculture. On the proposal of the Russian side, it may take place in early March of this year in Tashkent.