Pakistan, Uzbekistan to strengthen agricultural cooperation

Visitors enjoy Uzbek delights at National Day reception

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan, two of the world’s top cotton producers, can do much together in the field of agriculture.

This was expressed by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Furqat Sidikov who hosted a colorful reception to mark the 28th anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan. Federal Minister for Petroleum Omar Ayub Khan was the chief guest while a large number of guests hailing from various walks of life, including the diplomatic corps, attended the reception.

During the event, the Uzbek embassy had set up special kiosks to display a variety of Uzbek products. A kiosk displaying fruits from Uzbekistan got special attention from the guests. The ambassador personally gave an overview to Omar about what Uzbekistan produces and exports to the world and even the cultural context of some of their delicacies.

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A dry fruits stall was yet another attraction for the visitors.

Uzbekistan ranks amongst the few Central Asian countries which have developed the most after coming out from behind the iron curtain. Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector is a sphere where the country has made the most progress. A major breadbasket for the Soviet Union along with the likes of Ukraine, Uzbekistan now stands as the sixth largest producer of cotton in the world with 4.6 million bales.

The Uzbek envoy said that they have held several roadshows in the federal capital exhibiting Uzbek potential in the field of agriculture.

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Pakistan and Uzbekistan are in close contact to promote and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture, he added, suggesting that Pakistan can greatly increase its cotton yield if it uses Uzbek machinery.

Apart from agriculture, religious tourism and transportation infrastructure are key areas where Uzbekistan is making progress, Sidikov said, noting that the country hosts historical sites such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Fergana.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 14^th, 2019.