Uzbekistan and Serbia Form Group on Agricultural Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Serbia and Uzbekistan have agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture and established a joint working group to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached between the two countries, the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management said.

Serbian Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamočić and Uzbekistan’s Agriculture Minister Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov held the meeting in Belgrade on 7 September, ahead of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Serbia.

The talks focused on specific investment projects, increasing trade in agricultural and food products, the transfer of knowledge and modern technologies, and the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

Glamočić said increasing bilateral trade remains one of the key goals of cooperation, while Belgrade is also interested in building a long-term partnership. He said that against the backdrop of climate change, agricultural development requires greater use of knowledge, science, innovation and modern technologies.

Livestock farming and meat processing were among the main areas discussed. The two sides considered attracting investment to develop production in Serbia, with a view to supplying products to Uzbekistan’s growing market.

Abdurakhmonov said a similar cooperation model could be applied to fruit growing. Uzbekistan is interested in purchasing high-quality planting material from Serbia, as well as attracting Serbian producers that could establish production using Serbian genetics, expertise and technologies.

The sides also identified potential for cooperation in seed production. Uzbekistan is interested in exchanging experience and knowledge with leading Serbian research institutes and specialists.

Water resource management was another focus of the talks. Abdurakhmonov said more than 2.5 million hectares are irrigated in Uzbekistan. The country intends to improve its irrigation systems and increase water-use efficiency through modern technologies. He said Serbian experience and relevant technological solutions could be in demand in this area.

The ministers also outlined a broader framework for future cooperation. It is expected to include the development of intensive and technologically advanced agriculture, wider use of scientific developments, digital solutions and artificial intelligence, as well as joint investment and production. The partnership is aimed not only at increasing bilateral trade but also at potentially jointly entering third-country markets with agricultural products.

A joint working group was established to implement the agreements in practice. It will coordinate and monitor the implementation of an agreement on cooperation in agriculture, water resources and the sustainable development of rural areas, which is planned to be signed during Mirziyoyev’s visit to Serbia. The group will also facilitate cooperation between institutions, companies and specialists from the two countries.

Glamočić said Serbia has knowledge, genetic resources, research institutes and specialists, while Uzbekistan has a large market, significant production potential and interest in investment. He said combining these capabilities should lead to the implementation of specific projects.

The ministerial talks were preceded by the first meeting of the Joint Serbian-Uzbek Commission for Economic Cooperation at the Palace of Serbia.

The Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management was represented at the commission meeting by State Secretary Željko Radošević.