THE EU LAUNCHES A PROJECT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS OF UZBEKISTAN

European Union started implementation of a special project to support the sustainable development of rural areas in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan has achieved sustainable food security. And this program oversees an implementation of European agricultural know-how and technology in partnership with local authorities, farmers and agribusinesses, for further development of social and economic potential in rural areas of Uzbekistan.

"It is a very significant project, which will cost about 9.3 million euros. This large-scale program is aimed at the development of rural areas of Uzbekistan in three directions,” said the Head of the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan, Yuri Stärk.

The project is primarily aimed at the further development of the commodity value chains, mainly related to the agri-food sector.

The second component provides for the development and improvement of the skills and techniques of economic actors, including young people; introduction of modern technologies and their use in education; retraining of farmers and the improvement of methods of processing of agricultural products.

Also experienced specialists will help strengthen the capacity of regional and local authorities in development planning.

"The program is designed for three years and we are confident that it will greatly help strengthening the traditional partnership and also the trend for the development of rural areas, which can be observed in the government’s development programs,” said Stärk.

"The products will be of best quality and have good prospects in foreign markets. We will provide support to producers, which will increase their export capabilities, including in the European market,” said the head of GIZ ,Torsten Brezina.

The project will be implemented in six regions of Uzbekistan: Namangan, Andijan, Ferghana, Jizzakh, Syrdarya and Kashkadarya. The project is implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the French Agency for International Development Cooperation in the field of agriculture, food and rural development (ADECIA), the Association of cattle breeders in Italy (AIA) and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Development of Bulgaria (CEED).

Jahon Information Agency