Agriculture, Baltic States – CIS, Education and Science, Latvia, Markets and Companies

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During the meeting, the Deputy State Secretary noted that sustainable development in Central Asia is one of Latvia’s priorities in its development cooperation policy. To offer support for these countries, Latvia is prepared to share its experience and expertise gathered in areas such as good governance, strengthening the rule of law, economic and agricultural development, environmentally friendly technologies, and education. Uzbekistan remains one of priority countries for Latvia in its development cooperation with Central Asia.

Satisfaction was also expressed over the fact that both Uzbekistan and international donors have highly appreciated productive cooperation with Latvia in the development of the agricultural sector. The involved parties wish to continue with building a long-term partnership for the implementation of reforms, especially in the areas of improving the quality, standardization and certification of agricultural produce.

The involvement of Latvian experts in larger-scale projects by other international donors not only provides support for undertaking reforms and increases effectiveness of development assistance and its impact on partner countries, but also contributes to strengthening of relations between all cooperation partners.

As pointed out by Uzbek researchers, the development of the agricultural sector is one of national priorities in Uzbekistan. A special focus is placed on improving the quality of agricultural products since this area is regarded as holding potential for increasing Uzbekistan’s export capacity. To achieve sustainable results, assistance is being attracted from international financial institutions and development cooperation organisations in foreign countries. Latvia’s experience and expertise in cooperation with Uzbekistan is highly valued.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of Uzbekistan, Tashkent State Agrarian University, Samarkand Agriculture Institute, the Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking Research Institute, Andijon Agriculture Institute, the Vegetable Research Institute, as well as the United States Agency for International development (USAID), the Agricultural University of Latvia, and the Latvijas dārzeņi company.

During their visit from 10 to 15 April, members of the Uzbek delegation will also meet with representatives and experts from the University of Agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Zemnieku Saeima association of agricultural producers, and commercial farms.

The visit to Latvia is a part of a broader US project for the development of the agricultural sector and its export capacity, and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development.