In a bid to strengthen its position in the global market, Uzbekistan is intensifying efforts to increase the export of fruit and vegetable products. Last year, Uzbekistan harvested 23 million tons of various fruits and vegetables like grapes, cherries, peaches, dates, apricots, plums, figs, pomegranates, almonds, and beans, and now it wants to make the most of its agricultural opportunities.
However, despite a vast production capacity, Uzbekistan faces challenges in realizing its products. While the country entered over 10 new markets in 2023, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Colombia, and Indonesia, and currently exports to 85 countries, the majority of exports are concentrated in just five nations.
Last year, Uzbekistan exported 126,000 tons of grapes to 52 countries, but nearly 98,000 tons were sold at prices below $1 per kilogram. Similar situations were observed with other fruits, indicating the need for strategic market diversification and value optimization.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of targeting markets with higher price points during a recent conference. Initiatives such as accrediting trading houses in Japan and compensating rental payments aim to facilitate access to premium markets and enhance product value.
Moreover, efforts are underway to address quality concerns that affect consumer trust abroad. Plans include accrediting laboratories to international standards, establishing a reference laboratory in Tashkent, and implementing quality requirements from key export markets like Japan, Korea, Australia, and Canada.
In parallel, Uzbekistan seeks to support local enterprises in participating in international exhibitions, a critical avenue for showcasing its agricultural prowess. Through reimbursement schemes based on enterprise ratings, the government aims to incentivize participation and promote the country's fruit and vegetable exports on the global stage.
source: podrobno.uz