Uzbekistan plans to increase export volumes

By Nigar Abbasova

Uzbekistan, the country with a huge export potential, plans to export production worth $10.8 billion in 2017.

Newly-elected Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that the export by small businesses and private entrepreneurs through UzTadbirkorExport and Uzsanoatexport, as well as a fund under the National Bank is estimated to reach not less than $1.5 billion.    

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, he said that all members of the government should spare no effort to realize agreements inked during International Industrial Fairs in Tashkent and abroad in 2016.

Successful implementation of the agreements is expected to provide export volumes worth $7.7 billion.

The head of state mentioned that one of the main objectives on increasing export volumes is a growth in supplies of fruit and vegetables.

“We should actively seek new markets in Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries. Our diplomatic missions operating abroad should also join the work in this direction,” he stressed.

The country produces more than 17 million tons of fruit and vegetables per year, while some 4 million tons of the output is being exported. The volume of fruit and vegetable products manufactured in the country allow providing the needs of the population and delivering high quality products to foreign markets.

The country is in top ten exporter countries of apricots, plums, grapes, nuts, cabbage and other fruits and vegetables in the world.

Also, the country is among 14 countries that have received awards for achieving the Millennium Development Goals in the area of food security by the Food and Agriculture Organization.