Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are expanding agricultural cooperation, with specialists from the two countries studying the potential for growing olives and hazelnuts in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s Agriculture Minister Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov said more than 1,200 seedlings are already being tested in specialized gardens to determine how well they can adapt to local climatic conditions, according to Report.az.

“More than 1,200 seedlings are already undergoing trials in special gardens. Scientists are now working on adapting them to our climate conditions,” the minister said.

Abdurakhmonov highlighted the close cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, noting that the countries’ agricultural agencies are in regular contact.

One of the key areas of cooperation is agricultural risk insurance. Uzbekistan has studied Azerbaijan’s experience, adapted it to local conditions and already adopted the necessary legislation, the minister said.

The two countries are also seeking to expand agricultural trade. Abdurakhmonov said bilateral trade had increased by nearly 70% since the beginning of the year.

Uzbekistan has opened trade houses in Baku to showcase its fruits, vegetables and dried fruit, while Azerbaijan is providing opportunities to support these exports.

As part of Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts in Fuzuli and the wider Karabakh region, Uzbekistan is also participating in the development of a 100-hectare pomegranate orchard.

At the same time, a new large-scale orchard project has been launched in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region, with its produce expected to target the Azerbaijani market.