International meeting on higher education accreditation began in Tashkent

Uzbekistan and Serbia are preparing their positions for negotiations regarding the conclusion of a free trade agreement, as well as striving to expand cooperation in the fields of trade and industry.

The first meeting of the intergovernmental commission of Uzbekistan and Serbia on economic cooperation took place on September 7 in Belgrade. Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, and Nenad Popović, Minister of International Economic Relations of Serbia, participated in it.

According to information from the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the parties discussed issues related to preparing for the start of free trade negotiations, as well as ways to deepen cooperation in the areas of investment, industry, and trade.

Priority areas identified included pharmaceuticals, textile industry, agriculture, critical minerals, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the simplification of cargo transportation and cooperation in railway infrastructure were considered. It is planned that the second meeting of the commission will take place in Uzbekistan in 2027.

Several specific projects in the agricultural sector were also discussed in Belgrade. Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan held talks with Serbian companies on developing intensive horticulture and growing modern seedlings.

In particular, the issue of creating a modern nursery and intensive gardens in Jizzakh region jointly with the company 'Evro Kalem Trade Ltd', as well as growing high-quality and certified seedlings, was considered. It is planned to adapt and test export-oriented apple varieties, including 'Pink Lady', to the agro-climatic conditions of Uzbekistan in experimental fields.

Cooperation with the Serbian company 'KALEM VOĆ MILADINOVIĆ' on creating a modern seedling nursery, implementing grafting technologies, and developing intensive gardens was also discussed. The initial start of the project was proposed in the territory of the Academician M. Mirzaev Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking.

Furthermore, possibilities for training 20–30 students and specialists in modern horticulture, grafting, and intensive gardening were reviewed. Representatives of the Serbian company plan to visit Uzbekistan in September-October.

A meeting was held at the Tashkent State Transport University dedicated to the development of aviation education in the country, the improvement of the system for training highly qualified pilots who meet modern international standards, as well as the expansion of international cooperation in this field.