Uzbekistan Approves Georgian Nuts, Citrus Imports

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has approved imports of hazelnuts, almonds and citrus products from Georgia following a phytosanitary risk analysis.

The decision was announced during an online meeting between Jamshid Urunov, deputy chairman of Uzbekistan's Food Safety Committee for plant protection and quarantine, and Zurab Lipartia, deputy head of Georgia's National Food Agency.

The sides discussed the development of phytosanitary cooperation between the two countries, creating conditions for mutual supplies of agricultural products and ensuring the safety of imported goods.

At the beginning of the meeting, Urunov noted that Uzbekistan had established the Food Safety Committee as part of institutional reforms. According to him, this made it possible to bring the main responsibilities related to food safety, phytosanitary affairs and veterinary services under a unified state management and control system.

The Georgian side expressed interest in supplying a wide range of agricultural products to the Uzbek market, including apples, citrus fruits, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, hazelnuts, almonds and other products.

The committee said Uzbekistan is working, in accordance with existing procedures, to create opportunities for new types of agricultural products to gain access to its market.

Following a phytosanitary risk analysis conducted by specialists from the committee, Georgia was authorised to export hazelnuts, almonds and citrus products to Uzbekistan.

The admission of several other Georgian products will be considered separately. After Georgia provides the necessary technical data, Uzbek specialists will conduct phytosanitary risk analyses for apples, peaches, nectarines and blueberries.

Based on the results, the requirements necessary for importing these products into Uzbekistan will be determined.

The Georgian side also said it was ready to organise a joint inspection involving Uzbek specialists.

As part of the work, the parties plan to examine agricultural production sites and facilities in Georgia involved in preparing products for export.

Such inspections make it possible to assess on site the phytosanitary condition of products, production and storage processes, the presence or absence of quarantine organisms, and compliance with established phytosanitary requirements.

Meanwhile, all types of agricultural products can continue to be exported from Uzbekistan to the Georgian market provided they have the relevant phytosanitary certificate.