The international business forum “Italy – Central Asia – Azerbaijan” was held in Tashkent, bringing together representatives from nearly 100 Italian companies with business circles from Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Organized by the Italian Trade Agency, the event facilitated over 450 business meetings, which its president Matteo Zoppas claimed created a mechanism to activate trade links between the regions, though the long-term efficacy of such initiatives remains to be seen amid global economic uncertainties.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, addressed the forum, highlighting Italy’s successes in applying scientific advancements to agriculture in arid conditions. The minister stated that Uzbekistan intends to purchase AI-equipped agro-technologies from Italy, aimed at developing resource-saving, environmentally sustainable, and high-efficiency production. However, the implementation of these technologies in Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector may face challenges due to infrastructure gaps and adaptation issues.

In an interview, Italian Trade Agency President Matteo Zoppas noted that exports to Central Asia and Azerbaijan have already reached €2.5 billion. He said that countries in the region, particularly Uzbekistan, are seeking high-quality agro-technologies involving mechanization, digitalization, and artificial intelligence applications. Zoppas expressed plans to attract more companies to increase export volumes, but this ambition could be hampered by regional economic volatility and competition from other suppliers.

At the conclusion of the forum, Uzbekistan and Italy signed an agreement to develop agricultural trade, stimulate investments, and enhance agro-industrial cooperation. This agreement also purportedly aims to address challenges such as rising food prices due to global instability, though its actual impact on food security in the region is uncertain given broader geopolitical tensions.

Source: kun.uz