Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s Committee for Food Safety has held a meeting with representatives of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and NEWMA PMC to discuss the implementation of a joint grant project aimed at developing the country’s phytosanitary service, the committee’s press service reported.
The project runs from 2023 to 2027 and provides for improvements to plant quarantine control at border checkpoints, as well as strengthening the institutional and technical capacity of Uzbekistan’s national phytosanitary system.
One of the main areas of cooperation is the modernisation of regional phytosanitary laboratories, including equipping them with modern analytical and testing equipment. The project also covers upgrades to the technical facilities at border control checkpoints and professional training for industry specialists.
These measures are expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory testing and strengthen phytosanitary oversight. During the meeting, participants reviewed the results achieved so far, the current progress of the work and plans for the next stages of the project.
The sides also discussed expanding cooperation in food safety, veterinary services and phytosanitary control, as well as applying international experience to joint initiatives.
As part of cooperation with KOICA, Uzbek representatives took part in an international training programme in South Korea from 12 to 23 October 2026. They studied approaches to improving the plant quarantine system, modern phytosanitary control methods and ways to apply the knowledge gained in practice.
The cooperation is aimed at improving food safety, strengthening the export potential of Uzbekistan’s agricultural products and ensuring compliance with international trade requirements. It also provides for developing the professional skills of specialists in the sector.
Following the meeting, the sides confirmed their interest in continuing cooperation, effectively implementing planned activities and accelerating work on joint projects.
