Uzbekistan partners with Italy and Japan in agriculture sector

Minister of Agriculture Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov confirmed these plans in an interview with Uzbekistan 24, highlighting the government's efforts to attract Italian investment for processing plants. 

Uzbekistan is also strengthening its ties with Japan, with the President endorsing a kiwi cultivation initiative on a 10-hectare plot in Syrdarya, aiming to expand the project to other regions. In 2021, the EastFruit portal reported successful kiwi cultivation by Shuhrat Umarov in the Fergana region.

As part of the partnership with Japan, agreements have been signed for the export of mung beans, with plans to increase supply volumes in the future.

According to the Customs Committee, Uzbekistan imported 11,700 tons of kiwi in 2024, nearly 1.5 times more than in 2023. The total import value increased by 29.2%, rising from $3.97 million to $5.1 million.

Additionally, Uzbekistan imported the following fruits:

- 167,700 tons of bananas worth $62.9 million (+25.6%);
- 113,500 tons of mandarins worth $30.1 million (1.4 times increase);
- 99,800 tons of apples worth $29 million (4.1 times increase).

On March 3, the President reviewed a presentation on expanding international cooperation in the agricultural sector. Plans are underway to establish a seed production industry in Yukori-Chirchik district, leveraging Chinese expertise and supported by a $200 million investment. Additionally, 200 young individuals will be sent to Italian universities to improve the qualifications of professionals in the sector.