Uzbekistan eyes to bolster co-op ties with Belarus in farm machinery production

During the Forum of Regions in Minsk, Uzbekistan and Belarus will sign agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in the manufacturing of agricultural machinery, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the Board of Uzagrotekhsanoat Holding Nodir Otajonov told reporters on July 29, BelTA reports.

Nodir Otajonov informed that cooperation agreements will be signed between manufacturers of agricultural equipment and utility vehicles during the forum. In his words, Uzbekistan is primarily interested in MTZ, Minsk Motor Plant, Amkodor, Gomselmash.

There are plans to produce tractors with a high level of localization in Uzbekistan and to sell these products on the markets of third countries, like Afghanistan and Pakistan. Uzbekistan intends to increase the level of mechanization of its livestock industry. According to Nodir Otajonov, a draft agreement with Gomselmash has been drafted, with plans to produce a wide range of products in Uzbekistan.

“All these agreements will pave the way for closer cooperation. The experience Belarus has amassed over many years is very much in demand. We would like these agreements to span a long period of time,” emphasized Nodir Otajonov. At the same time, the parties are in talks over personnel training at Belarusian factories.

Speaking at a panel session of the forum, Belarusian Deputy Industry Minister Aleksandr Ogorodnikov outlined priority areas of cooperation. MAZ and MTZ have plans to secure their stance in the Uzbekistan market. MAZ intends to produce special equipment based on its chassis there. Negotiations are underway on projects to be implemented in Uzbekistan by Amkodor and Gomselmash.

The Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan opened in Minsk on 29 July with three thematic sections: cooperation in the manufacturing industry, joint projects in agro-industrial complex, and interaction in the humanitarian field, information and communication, and research.

The section to discuss cooperation in the manufacturing industry resulted in signing agreements and commercial documents. Thus, Kamvol and Fashion Premium signed a contract to supply worsted fabrics. The Vitebsk branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Namangan Region signed a cooperation agreement.