Uzbekistan and Japan will strengthen cooperation in food safety.

Uzbekistan and Japan intend to deepen cooperation in food security.

Azizbek Urunov, Chairman of the Food Safety Committee, met with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by Mamoru Sakai, Head of the Agency's Representative Office in Uzbekistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to expand practical cooperation in food safety, livestock production, and veterinary medicine, according to the Food Safety Committee.

A key aspect of the talks was the implementation of joint Uzbek-Japanese projects. In particular, with the support of JICA, the project "Development of Livestock Production and Improvement of Animal Health" is being implemented in the country.

This project covers the Republic of Karakalpakstan and all regions of Uzbekistan. Its target audience is farmers and entrepreneurs involved in the livestock industry.

This initiative provides financial support to the sector through a two-stage lending mechanism. Additionally, the project aims to improve the qualifications of specialists and research institutions working in the livestock sector.

Another focus will be the modernization of diagnostic infrastructure. Diagnostic centers are planned to be equipped with modern equipment, which will expand their capabilities in diagnosing and treating animal diseases.

Particular attention during the negotiations was paid to the signing of a trilateral agreement, which is necessary to initiate project funding. The parties also discussed accelerating bilateral technical cooperation.

The Food Safety Committee emphasized the importance of international cooperation for implementing modern approaches, best practices, and technologies in the national food safety system.

Particular emphasis is placed on the application of scientific advances in the production and preparation of safe food products, as well as the further development of the industry system in accordance with international standards.