Punjab eyes Uzbekistan market, explores export opportunities for Basmati, processed foods and Agri-Tech
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 3, 2026: Punjab has initiated efforts to explore trade and investment opportunities with Uzbekistan, with a focus on expanding exports of Basmati rice, processed foods, agricultural machinery and agri-technology to the Central Asian nation.
The Punjab State Food Commission, in collaboration with Invest Punjab, Punjab Agro and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, held a strategic meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) on Friday to discuss avenues for strengthening economic cooperation between Punjab and Uzbekistan.
During the deliberations, participants noted that the Government of Uzbekistan is actively seeking foreign investment. However, they stressed that a detailed market survey would be required to assess the suitability and demand for Punjab’s products in the Uzbek market.
The meeting identified the food processing sector as a key area for collaboration, citing growing opportunities for exports from Punjab. Officials noted that Uzbekistan, home to over 15,000 Indian students and one of the world’s leading producers of gold and rare earth minerals, offers significant potential for long-term trade partnerships.
Punjab State Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma highlighted the export potential of Basmati rice, agricultural machinery, tractors, spices, mustard oil, palm oil, desi ghee, tea leaves, skimmed milk powder, drip irrigation systems, water management technologies, renewable energy solutions, and especially processed food products manufactured by MARKFED and MILKFED.
He said processed food exports could prove particularly promising as Uzbekistan has sufficient agricultural raw material but relatively limited cold storage infrastructure, creating opportunities for value-added food products.
The meeting also discussed logistics, including suitable ports of discharge for goods exported from Punjab to Uzbekistan.
Joining the meeting virtually from Tashkent, Yogesh Kumar, AI Specialist, Visa Resident of Uzbekistan and General Director of AKACORP Global Tech, described Central Asia as an emerging market with strong potential for Punjab’s businesses. He also highlighted the rapid pace of digital transformation underway in Uzbekistan, saying it presents new opportunities for trade and technology partnerships.
The discussions are part of Punjab’s broader efforts to identify new international markets for the state’s agricultural and food-processing sectors while promoting exports and economic growth.