The Republic of Uzbekistan, an independent nation since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, is centrally located in Asia and shares borders with several countries. Covering an area of 447,400 square kilometers and home to a population of 28 million, approximately 80% of whom are Muslim, Uzbekistan boasts diverse industries and ranks sixth globally in gold reserves.
Agriculture and industry are crucial to Uzbekistan’s economy, collectively contributing over 40% to the national GDP, with industry alone accounting for 20%. Recent government initiatives have focused on modernizing industries through strategic agreements and reforms to align with sustainable development goals.
Amid global climate deterioration, geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and energy market instability, ensuring food security has become a priority for Uzbekistan. According to Chief Researcher Otkirbek Siddikov of the Institute of Strategic and Regional Studies, agriculture plays a pivotal role in the national economy, employing 24.2% of the workforce (around 3.5 million people) and contributing 25% to the GDP. Key objectives of Uzbekistan’s food policy include saturating the domestic market with food products and achieving self-sufficiency in food production.
The agricultural sector has undergone significant reforms in recent years, adopting advanced technologies to optimize crop yields. From 2017 to 2023, agricultural production increased by 16%, reaching 426.3 trillion Soms by the end of 2023. The country has enhanced crop production, expanded livestock farming for meat, milk, and eggs, and developed infrastructure for agricultural product processing. These efforts align with Uzbekistan’s strategy to modernize its economy and strengthen food security. By 2030, the government aims to boost food processing capabilities, raise production levels in food industries, and improve logistics services.
To support these goals, Uzbekistan actively seeks foreign direct investment (FDI) in agriculture and related sectors. In 2023, FDI inflows reached $7.2 billion, with plans to attract $15 billion by 2030. Investments will focus on incorporating innovative technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability.
Uzbekistan’s state policy is dedicated to formulating a comprehensive food strategy to meet the growing domestic demand for high-quality food products. This approach not only strengthens local production across various sectors but also seeks to improve the country’s global food security ranking and combat malnutrition in this vital region.
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