Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed developing a food cooperation programme that would start with Central Asia and bring together landlocked countries and their transit partners.
This was stated in the president’s address to participants of international conferences dedicated to International Cotton Day and food security in developing landlocked countries. The address was published on 7 October 2026.
The president also called on international financial institutions and private investors to participate in joint projects for food processing, refrigerated storage and transportation.
“We advocate full freedom of logistics and trade in food products, as well as simplifying the rules governing food supplies,” the address said.
According to the head of state, Uzbekistan has set a goal of doubling food production by 2030 and tripling exports and added value. To achieve this, the country intends to strengthen cooperation with international organizations and foreign countries.
Mirziyoyev noted that climate change, water shortages, drought and disruptions in logistics chains are contributing to rising food prices.
He referred to data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), according to which more than 645 million people worldwide suffer from hunger. International experts estimate that, without appropriate measures, this number could reach 1 billion by 2028, the president said.
For landlocked countries, high transportation costs and problems in transit countries remain major obstacles that also affect food security, the address said.
A separate part of the address focused on cotton production. According to the president, the sector has entered a new stage as a result of reforms implemented in recent years.
Uzbek scientists have developed around 300 early-maturing cotton varieties, while cotton planting, cultivation and harvesting have been fully mechanized. Through the introduction of modern agricultural technologies, farmers are harvesting up to 100 centners of cotton per hectare.
International Cotton Day, Mirziyoyev said, will help increase Uzbekistan’s investment attractiveness and present the country as a reliable partner.
Scientists, experts and entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries, as well as representatives of numerous international organizations, are participating in the forums.
