Exhibition of agricultural products and presentation of tourism potential of Uzbekistan organized in Vienna

The Embassy of Uzbekistan, together with the international fund Hilfswerk International (HWI) and the diplomatic missions of the countries of Central Asia accredited in Austria, organized an economic exhibition “High-quality products of Central Asia”.

It should be noted that this event is the first exhibition of agricultural products of domestic production in Vienna.

The main purpose of the event was the presentation of the agricultural, export and tourism potential of Uzbekistan, familiarization of Austrian entrepreneurs with the Made in Uzbekistan brand, the development of trade and economic cooperation between the countries, as well as the establishment of direct contacts between the business circles of Uzbekistan and Austria.

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Austrian Foreign Ministry, the Federal Economic Chamber, international organizations accredited in Vienna, business circles of the host country, as well as compatriots living in Vienna. In general, the event was attended by more than 100 people, including representatives of leading Austrian importing companies and retail chains such as Rewe Group, Billa, Spar Group, Metro and others.

Speaking with a welcoming speech at the opening of the event, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Abat Fayzullaev acquainted the participants of the exhibition with the economic and export potential of Uzbekistan, the opportunities for doing successful business in the republic, as well as the advantages of the country’s agricultural industry.

The head of the diplomatic mission of Uzbekistan highlighted the growth of our country’s exports, which in 2021 grew by 10% and amounted to more than $16 billion. The volume of annually exported agricultural products is also emphasized – more than 1.4 million tons, which demonstrates the high potential of the agricultural sector of Uzbekistan.

In addition, the ambassador informed the participants of the event about the benefits of Uzbekistan’s exporters, taking into account the acquisition by the republic of the status of a beneficiary of the European Union’s system of preferences for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+). It was noted that obtaining this status allows exporting 6200 commodity items from Uzbekistan to the EU countries, providing new prospects for domestic companies.

The most popular agricultural products on the EU market were presented at the stand of Uzbekistan. In particular, varieties of dried fruits were presented, such as raisins of various varieties, nuts, apricots, dried apricots, dried apples, mulberries, cucumbers, beets, carrots, as well as dried and fresh melons grown in the Khorezm and Syrdarya regions.

In addition, domestic products new to the Austrian market were demonstrated at the exhibition – halva (Fergana), bio-kurt (various varieties), licorice (licorice root) and wines from domestic grape varieties.

As part of the presentation of products grown in Uzbekistan, the growing popularity of Uzbek melon in the European market was especially noted. EU countries such as the UK, Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden and Greece are underlined, increasing the volume of Uzbek melon imports in recent years, especially Latvia and Germany, which imported 2.6 thousand tons and 861 tons respectively in 2021.

The tasting part of the exhibition clearly demonstrated the great interest of Austrian entrepreneurs in the Uzbek market. Representatives of the Austrian company were delighted with the quality and taste of vegetables and fruits of Uzbek production.

As part of the tasting of products, Khorezm melon was in the spotlight. A number of B2B meetings were also held between domestic exporters and Austrian companies on the issue of establishing direct cooperation.

During the exhibition, the tourism potential of the republic and the rich cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan were also presented. An exhibition of applied arts and traditional crafts of the republic was organized. The presented products of Uzbek national embroidery by Samarkand and Ferghana masters of art, works of wood carving, miniature painting and artistic chasing, as well as expositions of pottery made a great impression on the participants and guests of the event.

According to Stefan Fritz, Director General of Hilfswerk International, the presentation of the Uzbek side aroused particular interest among representatives of the Austrian business community. Appeals of a number of Austrian companies on the issue of establishing cooperation with Uzbek manufacturers were noted. The HWI CEO also expressed his readiness to assist in the promotion of domestic products on the Austrian market.

The head of the HWI regional office, U. Aslanov, noted that the first exhibition of agricultural products of the Central Asian countries in Austria provided a unique opportunity for participants to demonstrate the export potential and capabilities of the country, as well as promising areas for mutually beneficial cooperation.