Uzbekistan and IFAD to Fast-Track New Agriculture Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have agreed to accelerate the launch of the US$44 million Agribusiness Support Project (ASPIR) and begin preparing new joint initiatives.

The agreements were reached during a meeting in Rome between Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, and IFAD Vice-President Donal Brown.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the 30th session of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG), held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

One of the main topics of discussion was the early implementation of the Agribusiness Support Project (ASPIR), which is aimed at developing the agribusiness sector. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to expedite the project's launch.

Representatives of Uzbekistan and IFAD also discussed the preparation of new projects under the next phase of their cooperation. The fund expressed particular interest in an initiative to expand the Drone Academy project established in Uzbekistan. The parties agreed to prepare the project concept as soon as possible and begin its implementation.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the 50th session of the IFAD Governing Council, which will be held in February 2027. IFAD Vice-President Donal Brown invited the Uzbek side to participate in the event, saying it would contribute to the further development of international cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the implementation of ongoing joint projects, launching new initiatives and continuing to develop the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and IFAD.