During a video conference held on July 30 concerning the enhancement of fruit, vegetable, and food product exports, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev criticized entrepreneurs for exporting unripe fruits. This was reported by the President’s press service.
“Because our products are high-quality and sweet, the brand ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ has been established in foreign markets,” the head of state noted. However, he condemned certain “enterprising” traders who seek to sell early at higher prices, leading them to export fruits that are still raw.
Consequently, foreign retail chains have refused to accept thousands of tons of Uzbek produce due to its unripe condition. The President emphasized that this could lead to a loss of position for Uzbek goods in external markets.
He also pointed out that 21 districts have not reached even 70% of last year’s export volumes. Meanwhile, these districts have 80,000 hectares of land not used for cotton or grain, as well as 55,000 hectares of household plots. The heads of these districts have been tasked, in collaboration with the regional governors, to develop specific plans to improve the situation.
The President urged embassies and consulates general to actively promote increased exports.
Eighty percent of fruit and vegetable exports this year are attributable to five countries: Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and China. Decreases in supplies to South Korea, Hungary, Malaysia, Poland, and Kazakhstan were noted compared to last year. Anticipated exports to the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, Japan, India, and Qatar are also not being achieved.
It was noted that trade advisors at embassies are not adequately contributing in this area. They have been instructed to work with exporters, assisting them in market research, organizing exhibitions, establishing trading houses and warehouses, and obtaining product certifications.