During the forum, a meeting was held with Luis Planas Puigades, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain. The parties discussed practical proposals for the introduction of modern technologies in agriculture, improving the efficiency of water resources use and expanding the exchange of experience, the Dunyo news agency reports.

Uzbekistan presented in detail its potential in horticulture and vegetable growing, especially in cherry cultivation, emphasizing the need to introduce plant varieties resistant to salinity, water scarcity and climatic features of the region.

The Spanish side expressed its willingness to share its experience in spot irrigation, breeding using CRISPR, the development of agricultural insurance, as well as educational and scientific infrastructure.

During the negotiations, agreements were reached on expanding cooperation in the development of cooperatives, modernizing agricultural processing and improving export infrastructure. Special attention was paid to the interest of the Spanish business in investing in the olive industry of Uzbekistan.

The parties also discussed opportunities for expanding inter-institutional cooperation and agreed on new joint initiatives ahead of future state visits.

Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, which will be an important step towards a new level of agricultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Spain.