BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Uzbekistan and
the United States discussed expanding agricultural trade and
strengthening cooperation in farming technologies, water management
and agricultural education.


This was reflected in the statement by Uzbekistan’s Agriculture
Ministry, following a meeting between Deputy Agriculture Minister
Alisher Shukurov and Rishan Chaudhry, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s regional agricultural counselor for Central Asia.


According to the Ministry, in the course of the meeting, the
sides discussed developing direct working contacts between the two
agriculture ministries and expanding practical cooperation in areas
of mutual interest.


“Strengthening direct institutional ties and expanding practical
cooperation in trade, agricultural technology and education are
among the key areas identified by the sides,” the ministry
said.


Particular attention was given to expanding trade in
agricultural products and developing mutually beneficial trade and
economic cooperation in the agricultural sector.







The parties also discussed studying the agricultural experience
of the U.S. states of California and Texas. Areas of interest
include major crops produced in the two states, modern production
technologies, efficient use of water resources, and approaches to
improving agricultural yields.


The exchange could provide opportunities to examine how
technologies and practices used in water-intensive agricultural
regions of the United States could be adapted to Uzbekistan’s
conditions, where efficient water use is an important component of
agricultural development.


Agricultural education and research were also discussed. The
sides considered expanding links between leading agricultural
universities and research institutions in Uzbekistan and the United
States, as well as creating opportunities for specialists and young
professionals to exchange experience and improve their
qualifications.


The two sides agreed to maintain regular dialogue, develop
specific cooperation initiatives in the areas discussed, and
further expand practical contacts between their agricultural
institutions.