IFPRI CA NEWS DIGEST (FEBRUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 27, 2018)
News
EBRD announces forecast for Kazakhstan's economic development in 2018
A European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) official presented the EBRD Transition Report 2018-19 in Astana this week. The EBRD forecasts 3.5 to 4 percent growth in the Kazakh economy in 2018 predicated on a favorable international environment and oil prices over $60 per barrel. – KazInform
Uzbekistan intends to export 1.2 million tons of fruits, vegetables in 2018
Uzbekistan plans to export 1.2 million tons of fruits and vegetables this year, compared to 918,085 tons in 2017. Uzbekistan is a major exporter of horticulture and ranks second in the world in terms of apricot exports and fifth for cherries. – UzDaily
Georgia to assist Uzbekistan in boosting winemaking potential
Georgian experts will visit Uzbekistan to study the country’s potential for wine production. A government delegation from Uzbekistan is currently in Tbilisi to meet with counterparts at the Georgian Agricultural Ministry. The two countries will share experiences and develop partnerships for the production and certification of alcoholic drinks. Uzbek wine is mostly exported to Russia and Kazakhstan. Georgia is also interested in purchasing Uzbek automobiles and agricultural machinery. – Trend News Agency
Uzbekistan removes customs duties on potatoes
Customs duties on potatoes will be removed by the end of 2018, according to a new presidential decree. The measure is aimed at addressing the local potato deficit, which is especially pronounced during winter months. A significant portion of imports comes from Russia, which signed an agreement to establish a cooperative potato research center with Uzbekistan. – Regnum
WFP supports emergency preparedness and response in Tajikistan
The UN World Food Programme completed a weeklong training course for the Information Management and Analytical Center staff at Tajikistan’s Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defense. The course introduced key features of ArcGIS and remote sensing analysis during the first 72 hours of an emergency response. WFP also provided IT equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor disaster-prone areas. – Asia-Plus
Dutch businesses interested in Uzbekistan's agrarian sector
Approximately 50 representatives from over 30 Dutch companies will take part in Agro World Uzbekistan 2018, an international agricultural exhibition that will be held in mid-March in Tashkent. Most of the Dutch companies planning to participate are engaged in the horticultural sector. – UzDaily
Analysis & Other Information
Improving irrigation and water supply helps Tajikistan's poorest communities
The World Bank launched the Second Public Employment for Sustainable Agriculture and Water Resources Management Project in 2013, which was aimed at improving the food security of Tajikistan’s most vulnerable communities. The project included a public works program that offered income-earning opportunities, including the manual cleaning of irrigation canals. The project also included support for water users associations and other institutions overseeing irrigation infrastructure in rural areas. – World Bank
Venerable Kazakh confectionary aims to edge out imports with local sweets
The Astana Times profiles Bayan Sulu, a Kazakh confectionary based in Kostanai, which is attempting to compete with foreign brands. Bayan Sulu also exports 35 to 45 percent of its products to overseas markets including Central Asian countries, China, Mongolia, and Russia. – Astana Times
Publications & Reports
Return migration and self-employment: evidence from Kyrgyzstan
T. Bruck, C. Mahe, W. Naude (2018). IZA Institute of Labor Economics. Discussion paper no. 11332.
Economic aspects of value added agriculture in Uzbekistan
E. Horska, A. Pulatov, K. Primatov (2018). Proceedings of the 8th International Scientific Conference on Rural Development 2017.
Eurasian migration towards Russia: regional dynamics in the era of globalisation
I. Molodikova (2018). Handbook of Migration and Globalization. Book chapter.
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The articles included in this news digest have been generated from online sources. Any opinions stated herein are not representative of, or endorsed by, the International Food Policy Research Institute or its partners.
