On January 14, the Steering Committee for the "Promotion of Trade in the East in Uzbekistan" (TPE) project convened at the Agency for the Development of Agroindustry under the Ministry of Agriculture. This initiative, implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC) and funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), aims to increase inclusive export growth in targeted value chains while improving livelihoods and creating decent employment in Uzbekistan's agribusiness sector.
The meeting served as an important platform to review the achievements of 2024 and to approve the strategic plans for 2025. Key attendees included Bakhrom Inakov, Head of Department at the Ministry of Agriculture; Andrin Fink, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan; as well as ITC representatives from Switzerland, who joined the session online. In addition to government officials, the meeting also saw participation from experts at the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives from the Chamber of Industry and Trade, Trade Support Institutions, private-sector stakeholders, and local industry associations.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
1. Review of 2024 Achievements
The committee reviewed substantial progress made in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the agribusiness sector. Key developments included improvements in the performance of business support organizations (BSOs), which have played a pivotal role in boosting the capabilities of local businesses. Additionally, efforts were made to strengthen regional and sectoral collaboration, aligning various stakeholders towards common objectives.
2. Setting Goals for 2025
Clear and ambitious objectives for 2025 were established, emphasizing the need to expand access to international markets, improve product quality, and align with global standards. These efforts are expected to bolster Uzbekistan's position within the competitive global agribusiness sector, particularly in the context of increasing demand for high-quality agricultural products like dried fruits.
A Collaborative Effort
The TPE project has been instrumental in catalyzing meaningful advancements in Uzbekistan’s agricultural trade. By fostering close collaboration among government agencies, international organizations, and private-sector stakeholders, the initiative is creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. This collaboration is key in helping Uzbekistan solidify its global presence, especially in the dried fruit export market, while supporting sustainable development and the creation of better jobs.
The Steering Committee’s work exemplifies the importance of strategic planning, active engagement from all stakeholders, and international cooperation in achieving long-term success for Uzbekistan’s agribusiness sector. As the country works to strengthen its place on the global stage, the TPE initiative continues to serve as a model for how targeted, multi-faceted collaboration can drive substantial economic and social progress.
In conclusion, the efforts of the Steering Committee, together with the support of SECO and ITC, mark a pivotal moment for Uzbekistan's agribusiness sector, promising to unlock new opportunities for growth, employment, and sustainable development in the years ahead.
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