Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Consul General of Uzbekistan, Aslam Akbarov, took part in an extended meeting of the government of Zabaykalsky Krai chaired by Deputy Chairman of the regional government, Buyanto Batomunkuev, the Dunyо news agency reports.

The meeting also involved heads of ministries responsible for social development, economy, infrastructure, spatial planning and development, education and science, agriculture, the Deputy Minister of Culture, as well as the chairman of the Zabaykalsky Krai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Deputy Chairman Buyanto Batomunkuev emphasized the importance of developing multifaceted cooperation with Uzbekistan, noting that Uzbekistan is one of the dynamically developing economies with which it is necessary to strengthen partnership relations across various sectors, including agriculture and livestock breeding.

The main focus of the discussions was the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the agro-industrial complex, culture, and education. The Consul General paid special attention to increasing the supply of agricultural products from Uzbekistan to Zabaykalsky Krai, as well as the export of large and small livestock from Zabaykalsky to Uzbekistan.

The Russian side noted that the volumes of dried prunes imported from Uzbekistan to Zabaykalsky Krai, despite considerable geographical distance, have been steadily growing and exhibit clear seasonality.

The initiative to increase the supply volumes of Uzbek fruit and vegetable products to the region and to establish a transport and logistics center in Zabaykalsky capable of receiving up to 50 freight trucks daily with fruits and vegetables from Uzbekistan was also supported.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in agricultural education and exchange of experience among specialists. The current demand for qualified Uzbek personnel in the industrial, agricultural, and livestock sectors of Zabaykalsky Krai was highlighted, especially specialists such as veterinarians, truck drivers, welders, and others.

Special attention was paid to the demand for Uzbek expertise in establishing greenhouse farms in Zabaykalsky Krai. The Consulate General proposed organizing a business mission of entrepreneurs from Zabaykalsky to Uzbek regions specializing in agriculture and livestock breeding, an initiative that received support from the meeting participants.

Tourism cooperation was also one of the topics of discussion. The Uzbek side proposed regularly hosting events in Chita to showcase Uzbekistan’s tourist heritage and potential, introduce Uzbek national cuisine, and organize performances by creative groups at the main theaters in the capital of Zabaykalsky Krai.

The proposal to establish direct links between Zabaykalsky Krai and one of Uzbekistan’s regions and to develop sister-city relationships was supported.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a decision was made to create a joint operational working group comprising heads of all ministries and departments of Zabaykalsky Krai who participated in the extended session.