BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Latvia is prepared
to deepen cooperation in transport logistics with Uzbekistan,
encompassing each Uzbek import and export cargo and aviation
freight between Europe and Asia, the ambassador of Latvia to
Uzbekistan Reinis Trokša informed Development in an unique interview.
“Latvian ports and the Riga Airport hub present a really perfect
surroundings to develop freight and logistics enterprise between
Central Asia and Europe, in addition to set up manufacturing and
distribution facilities for supplying items to the Northern European
area,” he stated.
Based on him, Latvia sees important potential within the
fast-growing Uzbek market, which affords new alternatives not solely
in conventional sectors like pharmacy, agri-food merchandise,
equipment, and gear but in addition in rising areas similar to ICT and
inexperienced applied sciences. In 2024, Latvia had carried out greater than 10
commerce missions to Uzbekistan, underscoring the robust mutual
curiosity in strengthening financial relations.
“Latvian companies are eager to reinforce the productiveness of
Uzbek firms and facilitate their export to European markets.
The Latvia-Uzbekistan Digital Connectivity Discussion board, held throughout ICT
WEEK UZBEKISTAN 2024, exemplified such cooperation, offering a
platform for IT specialists and innovators from each nations to
collaborate. Latvian firms additionally view Uzbekistan as a regional
hub and are desperate to broaden their operations to neighboring
nations in Central Asia,” the ambassador famous.
He emphasised that Latvia has been a key associate for Uzbekistan
in growth cooperation for over a decade, specializing in areas
such pretty much as good governance, sustainable financial progress, gender
equality, and local weather motion.
Based on him, Latvia has been actively concerned in selling
good governance in Uzbekistan, with explicit consideration to
administrative reforms and anti-corruption efforts. He emphasised
that there’s robust curiosity from Latvian implementers in working
with Uzbekistan, and Uzbek companions have proven openness to
cooperation in varied sectors. Latvia’s assist can be directed
towards fostering sustainable financial progress, particularly by way of
the modernization of agriculture and the introduction of
standardization practices that align with EU norms.
“A big facet of Latvia’s help is the promotion of
gender equality. Latvia helps public service supply in
Uzbekistan’s rural areas, significantly specializing in the empowerment
of ladies. This aligns with the broader dedication to sustainable
growth targets, guaranteeing that marginalized teams, together with
girls, have entry to needed companies,” he stated.
The ambassador identified that Latvia has been actively
supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to fight local weather change. A notable
Sustainable Coverage Planning for Local weather Change Mitigation and
Adaptation in Uzbekistan venture was being carried out by the
Latvian Affiliation of Native and Regional Authorities Authorities in
2023-2024. This venture goals to strengthen the capability of native
authorities our bodies, increase public consciousness of the socio-economic
penalties of local weather change, and enhance sustainable coverage
planning by involving the general public in decision-making processes.
He emphasised a number of new agricultural initiatives launched in
2024, supported by Latvia’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs. One in every of
these initiatives, titled Bettering Phytosanitary Methods to Enhance
Meals Exports in Uzbekistan, is being carried out by the State Plant
Safety Service of Latvia. The venture goals to assist Uzbekistan
align its phytosanitary system requirements with these of the European
Union, facilitating the nation’s entry to worldwide
markets.
“One other main initiative is the Growth of Biotechnology
and Digital Expertise for Local weather-Managed Agriculture
(BioDigiSkills) venture, carried out by the Bulduri Horticultural
Faculty. This venture focuses on modernizing Uzbekistan’s
horticulture sector by way of the mixing of biotechnology and
digital expertise, contributing to the sustainable growth of
agriculture within the nation,” he underscored.
Moreover, Ambassador Trokša famous that Latvia’s Meals and
Veterinary Service is concerned in a venture designed to strengthen
Uzbekistan’s aquaculture sector. The purpose of the venture,
Strengthening the Official Management System and Bettering the
Compliance of Aquaculture Farms and Institutions Processing
Fishery Merchandise in Uzbekistan is to convey Uzbekistan’s fish
processing and aquaculture companies into line with EU requirements.
It will assist the Committee of Veterinary and Livestock
Growth study extra and make it simpler for companies to promote
their items in different nations.
“Uzbekistan has turn into a pilot nation for Latvia’s Nationwide
Growth Cooperation Company (CFCA). The CFCA is already engaged
in varied initiatives funded by worldwide donors such because the EU
and GIZ, specializing in areas like good governance and
anti-corruption. Probably the most latest developments is the signing
of the primary Multi-partner Contribution Settlement (MPCA) to
implement the Workforce Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity in
Central Asia, which goals to reinforce digital capability within the area.
CFCA will lead one of many 4 elements of this initiative,
specializing in clear and inclusive entry to private and non-private
connectivity companies, with particular consideration to rural areas,
gender equality, and marginalized teams,” he stated.
Moreover, the ambassador highlighted Latvia’s management in
the EU Border Administration Program in Central Asia (BOMCA). Since
2003, the BOMCA program has targeted on enhancing border administration,
creating commerce corridors, and eliminating drug trafficking within the
area. This system continues to make important contributions to
strengthening regional cooperation and guaranteeing larger
safety.
“Latvia stays dedicated to supporting Uzbekistan’s growth
in key areas similar to governance, sustainable agriculture, local weather
motion, and digital connectivity, fostering continued cooperation
between the 2 nations,” he added.
