Kazakhstan Increases Furniture Exports

According to a report by the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction, in 2023, Kazakhstan exported furniture valued at $13.7 million; an increase of 31% since the previous year. The prime market for Kazakh furniture is found in former Soviet countries and in 2023, to meet demand, domestic enterprises produced goods worth a total of 82.6 billion tenge; 28% more than in 2022. The most popular product was kitchen furniture, with an increase in volume of 50.4%, followed by wooden office furniture with an increase in volume of 5.4%. In comparison to 2022, the importation of furniture last year dropped by 5.3%; an indication of Kazakhs’ increasing preference for locally made products. In 2023, the industry generated a total of $537.4 million and invested of 17 billion tenge in production. With statistics showing a 3.9-fold increase compared to 2022, the future of Kazakhstan’s furniture manufacturers looks comfortable.

Uzbekistan To Increase Agricultural Exports

Agricultural production in Uzbekistan grew by 4.1% in 2023, and agricultural exports reached almost $2bn. This year the country plans to increase exports to $3.5bn.   At a government meeting on February 2nd officials reported that 6,000 gardens, over 3,000 vineyards and fields, and 344 packaging enterprises will be brought into compliance with international phytosanitary standards. Exports will be focused on markets with higher purchasing and paying powers. Modern facilities for exporting fruits and vegetables will be created at Fergana, Samarkand, and Tashkent airports. In recent years 620 phytosanitary permits have been received for the export of agricultural products to 80 countries. As part of the EU’s GSP+ trade preference system, 200,000 hectares of farmland in Uzbekistan have been brought into compliance with international standards.