The Punjab State Food Commission, in collaboration with Invest Punjab, Punjab Agro and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, held a wide-ranging deliberation today at MGSIPA to explore trade and business opportunities between Punjab and the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the meeting, it emerged that the Government of Uzbekistan is seeking investment, though the adaptability of Punjab’s products in the Uzbek market would require a detailed local market survey as a key first step.
The food sector was identified as a definitive launchpad for Punjab in Uzbekistan. With over 15,000 Indian students and the distinction of being the world’s 4th largest gold producer, particularly rich in rare earth minerals such as aluminium, Uzbekistan has the economic capacity to sustain long-term cooperation with Punjab.
Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission, Sh. Bal Mukand Sharma emphasized the export potential for Basmati Rice, Agri Machinery, Tractors, Spices, Mustard Oil, Palm Oil, Desi Ghee, Tea Leaves, Skimmed Milk Powder, Drip Irrigation, Water Resources, Renewable Energy and, most significantly, Processed Food from MARKFED and MILKFED.
He noted that processed food exports are strategically important, as Uzbekistan possesses adequate raw material but has limited cold storage facilities. The port of discharge for goods to be exported from Punjab also came up for detailed discussion during the meeting.
Sh. Yogesh Kumar, AI Specialist, Visa Resident of Uzbekistan and General Director, AKACORP GLOBAL TECH, joined virtually from Tashkent and observed that the Central Asian market is a new and promising frontier for Punjab. He further stated that a digital revolution is rapidly gaining momentum in Uzbekistan.