Uzbekistan will allow tax-free import of potatoes until 2019

Uzbekistan will allow tax-free import of potatoes until January 1, 2019, according to the 21 February "in Detail.uz" with reference to the decree of the President of the Republic Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

It is noted that this measure is directed on elimination of deficiency of potatoes in the domestic market and curb rising prices.

The President instructed the state customs Committee to ensure timely and smooth customs clearance of imported potatoes.

Importers of potatoes shall be exempt from customs duties, except charges for registration.

Uzbekistan still has a shortage of potatoes, which peaks in the winter. A significant portion of this product comes from Russia. However, import will not radically change the situation given the fact that the price of potatoes is doubled in the new year.

In February 2017, the Minister of Agriculture of Russia, Alexander Tkachev, officially visited Uzbekistan. He noted that Russia is interested in increasing exports of potatoes and other agricultural products to the Republic.

In addition, the visit resulted in an agreement to establish a joint selection and seed production Centre for potato cultivation in Uzbekistan.