The European Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, is set to visit Uzbekistan on 5-6 September 2024. This visit stresses the European Union’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian region.

Commissioner Wojciechowski will play a prominent role at the International Forum titled “Landlocked Developing Countries on Food Security and Sustainable Development Goals,” where he will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony. His speech will emphasize the EU’s ongoing support for sustainable agricultural practices and its efforts to ensure food security and safety, particularly in landlocked developing nations.

Beyond the Forum, Commissioner Wojciechowski is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with key government officials, including Uzbekistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmanov. These discussions aim to strengthen agricultural cooperation, explore trade opportunities, and launch joint initiatives focused on promoting sustainable agriculture. The talks will also cover areas of mutual interest and explore ways to deepen EU-Uzbekistan relations in agriculture and other sectors.

This visit is a milestone in the EU’s partnership with Uzbekistan, highlighting a shared commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Trade between the European Union and Uzbekistan has experienced growth in recent years. In 2023, EU exports to Uzbekistan surged by 16%, reaching €4.35bn.

In 2022, EU exports were valued at €3.77bn, marking a 63.9% increase from 2021. EU imports from Uzbekistan also saw a rise in 2022, reaching €845mn, a 77.1% increase. However, in 2023, EU imports from Uzbekistan experienced a slight decline of 8%, totaling €780mn. Despite this decrease, the overall trade turnover between the EU and Uzbekistan still grew by 11%.