Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Malaysia are actively strengthening cooperation in various agricultural sectors. As part of this process, a delegation comprising representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, heads of the Tashkent and Kashkadarya regions, as well as district leaders and members of agricultural clusters, is currently on a working visit to Malaysia.

During the visit, several agreements were signed to initiate practical cooperation in key areas such as smart agricultural technologies and drone production, rice cultivation, aquaculture, rubber production, and the export of fruits, vegetables, and silk products. One of the key achievements was the signing of an agreement with the company Meraque to localize the production of smart agricultural machinery and drones at the Research Institute of Agricultural Mechanization in Yangiyul district, Tashkent region.

Additionally, an agreement was signed between the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute and the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Center under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture. This partnership entails the supply of salt- and drought-resistant rice seeds to Uzbekistan, including black, long-grain, and aromatic rice varieties developed by Malaysian breeders. In return, Uzbek-grown "Devzira" rice seeds will be exported to Malaysia.

Cooperation in aquaculture will also be expanded. In collaboration with the Department of Fisheries under Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, as well as the Uzbekbaliqsanoat Association, Uzbekistan will implement projects in intensive fish farming, biofloc technology, and shrimp cultivation using Malaysian expertise.

Another important aspect of cooperation is the development of agricultural exports. Through Malaysia’s Agricultural Marketing Agency, Uzbekistan will supply fruits, vegetables, and silk products to the Malaysian market.

Moreover, an agreement was reached to conduct training courses for Uzbek farmers and entrepreneurs on obtaining halal certification, in collaboration with the Malaysian organization Jakim.

At the Uzbekistan-Malaysia Business Forum held in Malaysia, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Alisher Shukurov, delivered a detailed presentation on the aforementioned initiatives and investment projects.

These projects and initiatives aim to drive agricultural innovation and expand trade between Uzbekistan and Malaysia.