Aid for Trade in Uzbekistan

About the project

Country: Uzbekistan

Period: October 2019

Project partner: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Objective: The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat and UNDP sought to provide selected experts of the agricultural value chain with a deeper understanding of the international trading system for fruit and vegetables as well as quality and safety requirements. Using the example of Latvian producers, the partners taught experts about GLOBALG.A.P. standards and their implementation. They also facilitated business connections with Latvian importers and retailers to promote exports of Uzbek products.

Approach: A five-day study was conducted on a tour through Latvia as one of the key European markets for Uzbek exports. A wide range of participants were in attendance, including the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan, agencies for export promotion, the ‘Uzstandart’ Agency, and fruit and vegetable export companies. The program included visits to the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre – a GLOBALG.A.P. country partner in Latvia –, a GLOBALG.A.P. certified farm, one certification body office, retailers and importers, laboratory and veterinary services, and a university.

SDGs addressed: #8 Decent work and economic growth and #17 partnerships for the goals

Outcome

The 10 Uzbek delegates who participated in this study tour improved their knowledge of import processes, national legislative requirements, and the quality and requirements of retailers and wholesalers in Europe.  The tour provided a representation of national quality infrastructures and international trade while also offering very specific insights into the daily work of the different organizations and companies. Furthermore, delegates expanded their business network to include representatives of key organizations and companies in Latvia who could become potential business partners.

The project ultimately contributed to the promotion of Uzbek agro-exports and further development of the Uzbek quality infrastructure and trade opportunities.