Uzbekistan and Netherlands Boost Agricultural Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Director of the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, Ibrokhim Ergashev, held talks with a delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands led by Lianna Kersbergen, a representative of the Dutch plant protection authority.

During the meeting, the sides focused on expanding cooperation in the field of plant quarantine and protection, ensuring phytosanitary safety in international trade, and exchanging modern best practices.

The Dutch representatives positively assessed Uzbekistan’s current approach to phytosanitary control. Discussions covered the implementation of a risk-based model, the use of the digital certification system e-Phyto, and the application of canine inspection units at border checkpoints. The capabilities of the Central Phytosanitary Laboratory, as well as mobile and field agrochemical laboratories, were also highlighted.

As part of the visit, the delegation was presented with the potential of Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector at the Central Export Headquarters.

The Dutch side expressed interest in importing Uzbek fruit and vegetable products, noting their high quality and taste characteristics, particularly lemons.

The talks also addressed phytosanitary safety and food security, certification of export products and their promotion in foreign markets, seed import regulations, coordination of requirements, and phytosanitary risk analysis for apples and stone fruits.

The Netherlands is among the world’s leading agricultural exporters, relying on high-tech production, advanced logistics, and a strong re-export system. In this context, strengthening cooperation is seen as an important factor in expanding the presence of Uzbek products in European markets.

According to official data, Uzbekistan’s exports of fruit and vegetable products to the Netherlands exceeded 2.6 thousand tons in 2025.

As of April 2026, shipments had reached 1.2 thousand tons.