United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in Uzbekistan and the Embassy of Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 9 November.

The document is a basis for further collaboration between UNDP and Center for International Cooperation “MASHAV” under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, in the framework of project "Support to Government of Uzbekistan on Sustainable Development of the Livestock Sector".

The project for the development of livestock has been jointly started by the government of Uzbekistan and UNDP in March 2007. The main purpose of the project is to assist the Government of Uzbekistan, in particular, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, in determining the development strategy for livestock and its place in the development of Uzbek economy.

One of the prior activities of the project is surveying and analyzing international experience on sustainable livestock development. A first step in this direction was organized Study Tour for Uzbek delegation to Israel with support of MASHAV. MASHAV has shown its interest to support the project in evaluation and analyzing of livestock sector and in conducting of training program for Uzbek farmers.

The Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed by UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, Mr. Fikret Akcura, and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Israel to Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Ami Mehl, includes important aspects on future cooperation such as transfer of knowledge and new technology, conduction of training program and exchange of experience, provision of high quality genetic materials and equipment for artificial insemination.

The official ceremony of signing of the Memorandum was attended by the representatives of Uzbek organization and other partners. In the course of this event was demonstrated a presentation about core activities of the project and the collaboration with “MASHAV”.

Livestock sector plays an important role in Uzbekistan’s economy. This sector contributes significantly to the livelihood of economically vulnerable population in rural areas, especially in transition period, when other sources of income reduced considerably. However, there are some problems which impede the development of sector today. The problems embrace lack of required system for fodder production, limited access to genetic material (semen) of cattle’s breed with high productivity and low efficiency of veterinary services.