Minister Han Changfu met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov in Tashkent on the afternoon of 7 July 2017 local time. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation.
Minister Han conveyed greetings from Premier Li Keqiang to Mr. Aripov. He noted that the two heads of states held fruitful meetings during the recent Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. His current visit to Uzbekistan is aimed at implementing the consensus reached between the two leaders and promoting comprehensive bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sphere.
Minister Han suggested that China and Uzbekistan further expand bilateral agricultural trade and investment, facilitate establishment of agro-industrial parks, and consider the possibility of jointly building a modern animal husbandry demonstration park. They should also strengthen cooperation on agricultural science and technology, encourage personnel exchanges, and provide technological support and market space for common agricultural development in both countries.
Mr. Aripov said that the Uzbek government pays special attention to agricultural development and is keen to learn from China's experience and development model in this regard. Uzbekistan hopes to enhance cooperation with China in such key areas as agro-processing, cotton growing, aquaculture and sericulture, stimulate agricultural exports and raise farmers' income.