President issues instructions to Ambassadors in Europe

Ambassadors of Uzbekistan to France, Spain, and Belgium have been instructed to study these countries’ agricultural experience and introduce best practices in Uzbekistan. The directive was given on January 15 by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a video conference meeting chaired by him on the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions abroad.

It was noted that exports from Uzbekistan to Europe increased by 23 percent last year, reaching $2.3 billion. However, the president pointed out that ambassadors in some European countries have failed to deliver tangible results in promoting Uzbek products and building brand recognition in these markets.

France was identified as a new export destination for Uzbekistan’s chemical industry and a major market for chemical enterprises operating in Fergana, Navoi, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent regions.

Uzbekistan’s diplomatic mission in France was tasked with studying demand for fertilizers and relevant standards in the French market, conveying these requirements to chemical enterprises in Fergana, Navoi, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent regions, and organizing exhibitions by bringing company leaders and showcasing their products.

More broadly, instructions were given to develop a program to increase exports of mineral fertilizers to European countries with advanced agricultural sectors.

The president also highlighted Spain’s strong performance in agriculture despite climate change and water scarcity.

As an example, he cited the Almeria region, where an integrated greenhouse complex covering more than 30,000 hectares has been established, generating €1.5 billion in tax revenue alone. Notably, these greenhouses operate using solar energy and do not rely on natural gas.

The ambassador to Spain was instructed to develop a program to introduce Spain’s advanced agricultural technologies and practices in Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions.

The Netherlands ranks among the world’s top three agricultural exporters.

The World Horti Center, an innovation and knowledge hub that brings together more than 100 greenhouse companies, hosts over 40,000 specialists from around the world each year for professional training.

The ambassador to Belgium was instructed to organize visits for at least 100 Uzbek specialists to the center to study advanced innovations and best practices in greenhouse farming.