As previously reported, 1st International fruit and vegetable fair took place in Tashkent on November 8-9. The participants shared their views and comments on the advancement of this sector in an interview with Jahon:

Evgeny Gromyko, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation:– First of all, I want to assure our interest to further strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan. International fruit and vegetable fair, which was organized in Tashkent in July this year, demonstrated the enormous potential of your country in the field of agriculture. Namely this exhibition promoted the expansion of new trade and cooperation ties, establishment of business contacts. Our meeting today is proof of that. I would like especially to note the favorable conditions created in your country for the development of agriculture and business.

Your republic almost resolved issues of food security in the country. Today, Uzbekistan is a significant area with huge export potential in the food industry. Fruit and vegetable sector – one of the most dynamic and promising sectors of the economy, and high quality of locally produced fruits and vegetables is known all over the world.

Uzbekistan is a strategically important partner of Russia, including in the field of agriculture. We attach priority to the development of bilateral relations in this sphere. Russia interested in increasing the supply of fruit and vegetable products from Uzbekistan, and the public authorities of our countries, specialized agencies and business representatives are actively working on it.

During the current period of this year compared with last year the quantitative amounts of the Uzbek agricultural exports demanded on the Russian market, has been increased substantially.

I am confident that this event will give an additional impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation, will help to further strengthen the partnership and will promote the establishment of new contacts.

Robert Frantsev, correspondent of All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (Russia):– It is my first time in Uzbekistan, and being in this wonderful country I got huge impression. Here is an incredible range of agricultural products. We know well in Russia that it is produced a huge amount of splendid fruits and vegetables with the highest quality in your country. It is gratifying that in these days we had the opportunity to see them clearly with unspeakable full color.

Today, great significance is attached to the development of the supply of fruit and vegetables to the Russian market from Uzbekistan. We watch with great interest the development of Russian-Uzbek mutually beneficial relations, including in this direction. It is very pleased that our leadership is steadily expanding cooperation in this field.

It should be noted that this is our first study visit which takes place in the framework of the 1st International fruit and vegetable fair in Uzbekistan. In future we would like to show the sector specialized in growing and processing of agricultural products, including effective logistical centers for the supply of fruits and vegetables from your country to our Russian audience. Knowing the quality of produced agro commodities in Uzbekistan, there is no doubt that they will be in demand in Russia.

Andrei Kolupaev, the CEO of Uzbekistan Trading House company (Latvia):– I represent the Latvian companies in Uzbekistan Trading House and Euro Logistic Park. We export dried fruits and vegetables to Europe. Mainly we work with our Uzbek partners, 60% of our exports we make with Uzbekistan. Here are our offices, their own staff, who continuously engaged in quality control and the search for new suppliers of primary products.

I note that we have already participated as guests in such event which was organized in Tashkent in July. This time we decided to present our stand. We hope that this exhibition will help to find bоth new customers and suppliers. It is known that great vegetables and fruits are grown in Uzbekistan. I am glad that by being here, you can enjoy them in large quantities. All the people I know in Latvia, are very fond of Uzbek fruit and vegetables, as it corresponds to the high quality.

At present our company imports 5 thousand tons of agricultural products from Uzbekistan annually. In future we plan to reach 10 thousand tons.

Mosud Mannan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan:– Uzbekistan is famous for its fruit and vegetable products which are in high demand in foreign markets. People from many countries have come here with the aim to conclude contracts on the supply of Uzbek fruit and vegetables. During the extraordinary International fruit and vegetable fair in July producers have signed contracts for the sale of 2.5 million tons of products. This is a great success, given the fact that Uzbekistan in the coming years plans to increase the supply of fruits and vegetables.

Today there is a high demand for environmentally friendly products. Talking about the market for organic products, it should be noted that Uzbekistan has great potential in this sector, and its ability allows the country to take a worthy place in the world market.

Jan-Peter Olters, Acting Head of the World Bank Mission in Uzbekistan:– Today’s Fair is a clear indication that the sector of fruits and vegetables sufficiently developed not only for the saturation of the domestic market, but also for the export to abroad. This area has a great potential which in turn increases profits for farmers and gardeners of the republic.

We are convinced that this sector is very important for the efficiency of the economy as a whole and to improve the welfare of the rural population. To this end, we approved the country framework program, according to which provides horticultural development projects worth $ 150 million. Our goal is to prepare the foundation for the sustainable development of the sector, bringing it closer to international standards, providing to all stakeholders an opportunity to take advantage of the potential which Uzbekistan possesses.

Jahon Information Agency, R.Rahimov, Z.Azizkhanova