Uzbekistan, Belarus planning joint projects in agro sector
TASHKENT. Aug 12 (Interfax) - Agro-industrial enterprises in the Samarkand Region of Uzbekistan, one of the country's leading agricultural regions, intend to develop production ties with Belarus, the Samarkand regional administration said in a press release.
The press release indicates that prospects for joint projects and cooperation were discussed at a meeting between regional governor Adiza Boboev and Belarusian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Vitaly Kulak during the Uzbek delegation's visit to Belarus.
The representatives of the Samarkand Region specifically expressed interest in developing livestock breeding, selection and genetics. The region proposed organizing annual deliveries of Belarusian pedigree cattle and increasing purchases of meat products.
"Chorva Sut Service and Marokand MIT are ready to invest in livestock farms in the Grodno region of Belarus with subsequently implementing Belarusian experience and technologies in Uzbekistan," according to the statement.
The parties also discussed establishing joint facilities to produce dairy products, localize baby food production with Belarus' Bellakt plant, and expanding supplies of Uzbek dried fruit, nuts, and highly processed products to Belarus. The parties paid particular attention was to supplying and maintaining Belarusian agricultural machinery.
Boboev also met with Belinvestbank management board chairman Oleg Kozaredov, during which they discussed prospects for expanding investment and business cooperation.
"The Samarkand Region presented a number of promising areas for joint projects, including livestock farming, textile and furniture industries, food production, agricultural processing, tourism and healthcare. Particular attention was paid to Belinvestbank's capabilities for financing joint projects, including preferential loans, leasing, and equipment financing," according to the statement.
Belarus' Agriculture and Food Ministry said that meat and meat products constitute the bulk of Belarusian agricultural exports to Uzbekistan at 63.8%, according to an analysis of shipments this year.
"There is steady growth across virtually all categories. Meat products are up 18.6%, dairy products doubled, significant sugar shipments were recorded, chocolate shipments increased fivefold, and live animals more than doubled," according to a statement on the ministry's website.
The parties expressed interest in implementing joint investment initiatives following the meeting.
