Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan is considering the possibility of reviving the "Oziqovqatsanoat" association, which was dissolved six years ago. A corresponding draft presidential decree has been put forward for public discussion by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI).

The new organization in the food industry will be established based on the association of enterprises in the oil and fat sector, "Uzyogmoysanot" ("Uzbek Oil and Fat Industry"). It will include companies specializing in the production of oil and fat products, flour and pasta, dairy and canned goods, confectionery products, as well as soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.

The association’s financing is planned to come from membership fees of enterprises and funds from the CCI’s Industry Support Fund.

The main areas of activity will include the development of a national brand for Uzbek food products, attracting investments for modernization and innovation, and providing technological support to enterprises to produce high-quality and competitive products.

The association is also expected to assist Uzbek producers in entering international markets, provide marketing support, develop cooperation between processing enterprises and agricultural producers, certify products according to international standards (ISO, GMP, HACCP, Halal, etc.), train qualified personnel, and attract foreign experts.

Additionally, the association will support the implementation of mandatory digital labeling for food products. According to the draft document, starting in 2025, Uzbek enterprises will have the right to export processed oil and fat products without restrictions, except for oil meal, which will be subject to an export duty of 100% of the customs value.

Furthermore, until January 1, 2027, members of the association will be exempt from customs duties when importing raw materials for confectionery production and margarine, tropical fruits, tea, mint and orange concentrates, as well as packaging and labeling materials.

Previously, a similar structure operated under the name "Association of Food Industry Enterprises," which in 2016 was reorganized into "Uzbekozikovkatholding." The organization was liquidated by a presidential decree in 2019.