BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 18. Uzbekistan’s Agency
for Forest Development and Combating Desertification took part in
an international conference, where it signed two cooperation
agreements with Chinese partners.
This was reflected in the statement by the National Committee on
Ecology and Climate Change, following the participation of
Uzbekistan’s Agency for Forest Development and Combating
Desertification in an international conference on China–Central
Asia cooperation in desertification control held in Yinchuan,
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
The first agreement was signed between Agency Director Erkin
Mukhitdinov and Wu Xiaorui, head of the Forestry and Grassland
Administration of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The document
outlines joint projects to expand green coverage through the
establishment of protective forest plantations, development of
modern nurseries and seed plantations, and advancement of
sustainable forestry and green industries.
"In addition, the parties intend to cooperate on issues related
to the rational use of water resources, the restoration of degraded
land, the prevention of soil salinization, and the gradual
strengthening of ecosystems." the Committee said.
Both sides emphasized the importance of coordinated
implementation, expert involvement, and efficient use of financing
mechanisms.
The second agreement was concluded between Mukhitdinov and Chen
Lin, Chairman of the Board of Yinchuan Wolsenn Modern Irrigation
Co., Ltd. Under the deal, the Chinese company will supply
Uzbekistan with water-saving irrigation technologies, including a
demonstration fertigation system, and organize training programs
for Uzbek specialists.
"The Chinese side will supply water-saving irrigation
technologies (a demonstration fertigation system) to Uzbekistan and
will also organize regular training for local specialists on how to
use these technologies. Of particular importance is the fact that
the introduction of modern Chinese technologies will significantly
improve the effectiveness of efforts to create new forest areas and
combat desertification in our country." the Committee noted.
Fertigation, the combined application of irrigation water and
fertilizers directly to plant root systems, is typically used
alongside drip irrigation systems. Officials noted that the
technology can reduce fertilizer use by 20–50% while improving
efficiency and reducing labor costs through automation.
As part of ongoing cooperation, Uzbekistan and Chinese partners
have already implemented several projects in 2025, including the
establishment of halophyte plant nurseries in five districts and
the import of 1,400 tons of halophyte seeds for cultivation.
In addition, a joint project with Chinese company Sinoway Forest
is underway in Surkhandarya region to establish pistachio
plantations across 5,000 hectares as part of broader ecosystem
restoration and carbon absorption efforts.
The agreements reflect Uzbekistan’s expanding cooperation with
China in environmental protection, desertification control, and
sustainable land management technologies.
