Tashkent hosts discussions of food security issues in Central Asia

Tashkent, June 3, 2019. /Kabar/. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) presented the Global Food Policy Report 2019 in Tashkent at the Second International Conference: "Agricultural Transformation, Food Security and Nutrition in Central Asia", the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan reported.
IFPRI Senior Scientist Kamiljon Akramov said that to meet the growing demand for employment in rural areas and improve food security, Uzbekistan needs to strengthen the role of the private sector in the economy by accelerating reforms, improving institutional mechanisms and exploring opportunities for regional integration in Central Asia.
"If state administrations in the region can create favourable conditions for regional integration, trade and private sector development, it will contribute not only to economic development, but also to the formation of a more competitive, healthy and nutritious population," he said.
The report says that the countries of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, have largely overcome the negative effects caused by external factors.
Increased export revenues, remittances, and investment had a positive impact on economic activity and food security in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
The IFPRI Global Food Policy Report is also being launched in 13 capitals, including Beijing this year.