Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com)  – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) opened its new country office in Uzbekistan, marking a major achievement in IFAD’s long-standing commitment to support the country’s rural development efforts. The expanded collaboration demonstrates the solid partnership between Uzbekistan and IFAD, which has grown quickly since Uzbekistan joined IFAD as a member state in 2011.

The President of IFAD, Alvaro Lario, inaugurated the new office today in Tashkent with the presence of Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan. Lario expressed gratitude to the Government for their unwavering support in establishing the first IFAD office in Central Asia. 

“IFAD’s new Tashkent office represents our dedication to sustainable economic development in Uzbekistan and the region. Through partnerships with the Government and private sector we can support more ambitious investments in climate adaptation and rural prosperity,” said Lario at the inauguration.

By opening the new office, IFAD will be closer to its clients and better able to address the specific needs and challenges of the Uzbek agricultural sector. It will also serve as a model for other countries in the region, emphasizing the importance of establishing a local presence to better implement sustainable development practices that promote resilience, inclusivity, and climate and environmental stewardship.

“This office is a testament to our shared commitment to rural development and the empowerment of small-scale farmers. The Government of Uzbekistan is dedicated to working closely with IFAD to address the unique challenges of our agricultural sector,” said Abdurakhmonov. “We believe this collaboration will not only benefit Uzbekistan but also set a positive example for other countries in the region.”

Despite global and regional challenges, including conflicts, climate change, and inflation, IFAD remains committed to empowering rural communities in Uzbekistan and its neighbouring countries. IFAD’s robust partnership with Uzbekistan has resulted in a portfolio that has grown significantly over the last decade, becoming the largest country portfolio in the Central Asia region with a combined investment of US$435.3 million, reaching more than 550,000 rural people. IFAD’s stewardship in supporting the horticulture and dairy value chains has been a key catalyst for investments by private and development partners in the sector as well.

IFAD’s ongoing country strategic opportunities programme for Uzbekistan (2023–2027) builds on IFAD’s pioneering role in investing in small-scale farmers and agricultural diversification. Within this framework, IFAD and the Uzbek Government aim to deploy a programme of work exceeding US$250 million including national and international co-financing.