TASHKENT (TCA) — The 1st meeting of the Uzbek-Japanese joint working group on agricultural cooperation took place in Tashkent on March 15, the Jahon information agency reported.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of Uzbekistan, was attended by managers and specialists of companies of the two countries engaged in the field of agriculture and water resources.
Agriculture and water resources management is one of the most important areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan. Since 1995 the Government of Japan has been implementing a grant aid program for small-scale projects in Uzbekistan, which has also involved agricultural projects. The program has implemented 352 projects worth $23.38 million.
Implemented with the financial assistance of the Japanese Government, the projects in water management, improvement of irrigation systems, and land reclamation are yielding results. Now, the two countries are cooperating in the development of horticulture, modernization of water facilities, and training of specialists.
Development of agriculture and food industry is one of the priorities in Uzbekistan’s economic policy. Last year the production of agricultural goods grew almost 7 percent.
“Our country pays special attention to cooperation with Uzbekistan,” said Deputy Director General of the Department of International Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan Tatsuya Kajishima. “Japanese business circles are showing great interest in further development of partnership with Uzbekistan. Our delegation includes representatives of agricultural machinery manufacturing companies, construction and information technologies. The favorable investment climate and high economic opportunities in Uzbekistan are an important factor in the development of trade and economic cooperation.”
