Deepening cooperation in the field of viticulture: Georgia and Uzbekistan signed a memorandum

In pursuit of the development of the wine industry, Georgia and Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of cooperation concerning the exchange of genetic resources of grapes and perennial crops. This key step was taken during the visit of senior officials of the Uzbek Scientific Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking named after Academician Mahmud Mirzayev.

The signing of the memorandum took place in Dzhigaur, which is located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, right on the territory of the Georgian Agricultural Research Center. The document covers the exchange of international standards, the introduction of a certification system for seedlings, support for projects of seedling farms, the exchange of in vitro reproduction rules, modern storage and processing technologies. Joint seminars and conferences are also planned.

The director of the Uzbek center, Ulugbek Abduganiev, shared: "The main purpose of our visit is to adopt the experience of Georgia in viticulture and winemaking and introduce it in Uzbekistan. On the basis of our institute, we plan to create a seedling farm for which we would like to exchange vine varieties. Georgian varieties will be tested in Uzbekistan."

During the visit, the guests visited the experimental and demonstration base of perennial crops in Dzhigaur, got acquainted with the work of soil research, seed and planting materials and in vitro laboratories based on annual Tsilkani crops. They also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of wine by visiting the Irma Chanturia Wine Laboratory.

It is important to note that Uzbekistan and Georgia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1994, but the Embassy of Uzbekistan has not opened in Georgia. In Tashkent, in turn, the Embassy of Georgia operates. The foreign trade turnover between the two countries continues to grow, in 2022 it amounted to $160.1 million, with $111.1 million being exports from Georgia. This step in the field of viticulture can strengthen their cooperation in agriculture and wine production.