Serbia and Uzbekistan to establish working group on agricultural projects

Serbia and Uzbekistan to Establish Working Group on Agricultural Projects

The Ministers of Agriculture of Serbia and Uzbekistan, Dragan Glamočić and Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, have agreed to boost cooperation in the agricultural sector and have formed a joint working group to accelerate the implementation of the agreements reached.

The meeting took place on September 7 in Belgrade, on the eve of the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Serbia. This was reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia.

The parties placed their main emphasis on concrete investment projects, increasing trade in agricultural and food products, the transfer of knowledge and modern technologies, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

Glamočić emphasized that increasing mutual trade turnover remains one of the key goals of cooperation, but Belgrade is interested in building a long-term partnership. According to him, against the backdrop of climate change, agricultural development requires a broader application of knowledge, science, innovation, and modern technologies.

One of the main areas of the negotiations was livestock breeding and meat processing. The parties discussed the possibility of attracting investment to develop production in Serbia with the prospect of supplying products to the growing Uzbek market.

Abdurakhmonov noted that a similar format of interaction could be applied in fruit growing. Uzbekistan is interested in purchasing high-quality planting material from Serbia, as well as in the arrival of Serbian producers who could organize production using Serbian genetics, knowledge, and technologies.

Prospects for cooperation were also outlined in seed production. The Uzbek side is interested in exchanging experience and knowledge with leading Serbian research institutes and specialists.

The ministers paid special attention to water resources management. Abdurakhmonov reported that more than 2.5 million hectares are irrigated in Uzbekistan. At the same time, the country intends to improve its irrigation systems and increase water use efficiency through modern technologies. In this area, according to him, Serbian experience and relevant technological solutions could be in demand.

The parties also defined a broader format for the future partnership. It should cover the development of intensive and technologically modern agriculture, expanding the use of scientific developments, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence, as well as joint investments and production. This concerns not only the growth of mutual trade but also the possibility of jointly entering the markets of third countries with their products.

To practically implement the agreements, a joint working group was established. It will coordinate and monitor the implementation of the agreement on cooperation in agriculture, water resources, and sustainable rural development, which is planned to be signed during Mirziyoyev's visit to Serbia. The group will also handle interaction between institutions, companies, and specialists of the two countries.

Glamočić noted that Serbia possesses knowledge, genetic resources, scientific institutions, and specialists, while Uzbekistan has a large market, significant production potential, and an interest in investment. According to him, combining these capabilities should lead to the implementation of concrete projects.

The ministers' negotiations were preceded by the first meeting of the Joint Serbian-Uzbek Commission on Economic Cooperation at the Palace of Serbia.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia was represented at the meeting by State Secretary Željko Radošević.