President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sharply criticized certain Uzbek exporters for sending raw fruits abroad in pursuit of higher profits, a move that has led to widespread rejection of the country’s produce by foreign trade networks.
Speaking during a videoconference on July 30 focused on boosting exports of fruits, vegetables, and food products, the president expressed concern that unprocessed exports are damaging Uzbekistan’s reputation in international markets.
“Because our products are high-quality and sweet, the 'Grown in Uzbekistan' brand has been formed in foreign markets,” Mirziyoyev noted. “But some agile traders, hoping to sell raw fruits more expensively than others, have undermined our credibility.”
As a result, thousands of tons of Uzbek produce have been rejected abroad due to their raw state, and the president warned that this threatens the country’s position in global markets.
Export Decline in Several Regions
Mirziyoyev highlighted that 21 districts failed to reach even 70% of their previous year’s export levels, despite having significant unused land — including 80,000 hectares not planted with cotton or grain and another 55,000 hectares of household land. The khokims (mayors) of these districts, along with regional leaders, were instructed to develop detailed action plans to address the shortfall.
He also criticized the performance of trade advisers at Uzbek embassies, calling their efforts “weak.” The president urged diplomatic missions to step up efforts to promote exports by helping companies find buyers, organizing exhibitions, opening trade houses and warehouses, and supporting certification efforts.
Concentrated Markets, Missed Opportunities
Currently, 80% of Uzbekistan’s fruit and vegetable exports are directed to just five countries: Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and China. However, the president expressed concern over declining exports to countries such as South Korea, Hungary, Malaysia, Poland, and even Kazakhstan. Exports to the UK, Italy, Sweden, Japan, India, and Qatar were also far below expectations.
Mirziyoyev stressed the need to diversify and strengthen export markets to ensure economic stability, especially amid changing global conditions and unpredictable weather patterns.
He warned that concepts like “anomalous heat” and “anomalous cold” have become the new norm, and emphasized that every export market now represents a matter of economic security.
Progress and Infrastructure
Over the past three years, Uzbekistan has allocated 250,000 hectares of cotton and grain land for food production, established 160,000 hectares of new orchards and vineyards, and renovated 107,000 hectares of older farmland. Around 1,500 food sector projects worth $1bn have been launched.
To support the sector, the country has also created infrastructure with capacities for storing 100,000 tons, drying 70,000 tons, and sorting and packaging 46,000 tons of products.
This month, Uzbekistan was elected to the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which the president described as “a great opportunity to promote national and regional initiatives and attract funding for new projects.”
Regional Gaps and Climate Adaptation
Despite a 44% increase in food exports over the past six months — totaling $1.326bn and reaching 16 countries — some regions lag behind. Surkhandarya, Tashkent, Karakalpakstan, and Navoi have not matched last year’s export levels.
Mirziyoyev urged governors and industry leaders to adapt agricultural practices to climate realities by focusing on crops resilient to heat, cold, and drought.
“Weather can no longer be an excuse,” he said. “We must adapt and respond proactively.”
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