BAKU, Azerbaijan, Dec. 9
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
US Agency for International Development (USAID) introduced pallet-ready technologies and market-specific packing materials prior to export shipments in order to reduce the transportation and logistics barriers for Uzbek exporters, who are testing products in new markets, Information Officer of US Embassy in Tashkent Susannah Wood told Trend.
According to USAID, Agriculture in Uzbekistan employs 27 percent of the labor force and accounts for nearly 20 percent of Uzbekistan’s export earnings and about 17 percent of its GDP. Horticulture has considerable untapped economic potential. As the country adapts and diversifies its economy, the horticultural sector also calls for new approaches to effectively compete in global markets.
“Effective implementation of the USAID Agricultural Value Chain activity contributed to increased horticultural exports by 250 percent in Uzbekistan. From 2015 to 2020, USAID supported 510 organizations and businesses, linking Uzbek exporters and consolidators to global buyers, ready to pay high prices for quality products,” Wood said.
The office also noted that since Uzbekistan is landlocked, transportation to key export markets in Asia and Europe is one of the most significant barriers to increasing horticultural exports, especially for fresh fruits.
Furthermore, USAID conducted a human-centered design study to reveal buying preferences driven by the consumer cultures in international markets, beginning the process of revealing what drives the international consumer to buy fruit.
“Understanding consumer preferences and buying habits in Latvia, Dubai, Hong Kong allowed Uzbek exporters to better package, brand, and market their products to fit the consumer culture of each location,” Wood outlined.
The Information Officer also added that leveraging the gains made in advancing Uzbekistan’s exports through USAID’s Agricultural Value Chain activity, USAID will continue to harness the country’s export potential through its newly launched Agribusiness Development activity.
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