Uzbekistan, China launch US$550m agricultural projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and China have agreed to launch large-scale agricultural and investment projects worth more than US$550 million. The agreements were reached during the Uzbekistan–China (Hong Kong) Economic Forum, with the participation of an Uzbek agricultural delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov.

Under the agreements, the two sides will begin work on establishing a special agricultural-industrial zone “Uzbekistan–China,” which is expected to serve as a platform for hosting joint production facilities and introducing modern technologies into the agricultural sector. Another key initiative includes the launch of a full production cycle for potato cultivation and processing in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region.

During talks with Chinese companies, the sides also agreed on plans to expand supplies of agricultural machinery to Uzbekistan, organize after-sales service, and localize the production of specialized equipment. Additional projects involving the creation of manufacturing enterprises within the country were also discussed.

A significant part of the agreements focuses on regional agricultural development. High-yield cotton production and processing facilities are planned in Kashkadarya, Syrdarya, and Jizzakh regions. In Surkhandarya region, projects will focus on the production of water-saving technologies and protective films. Separate measures are also planned to support the integrated development of rainfed and pasture lands using modern agricultural technologies.

According to participants, the implementation of the signed memorandums is expected to attract investment, accelerate technological modernization of the sector, increase export potential, and create new jobs in the regions.

At the same time, the “Made in Uzbekistan” national exhibition is being held in Hong Kong as part of the same forum. The exhibition showcases the country’s agro-industrial and food production potential, including canned goods, dried and packaged fruits, legumes, spices, beverages, and confectionery products.

Foreign participants showed particular interest in tastings of Uzbek products, highlighting their natural quality and taste. The highest demand was recorded for dried fruits, sweets, and traditional national products.

B2B meetings were also held between Uzbek and international companies as part of the exhibition. As a result, export agreements worth about US$2 million were signed in confectionery, dried fruit, and spice segments, further strengthening the position of the “Made in Uzbekistan” brand in international markets.