Bishkek:Kyrgyzstan has proposed the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on potato imports to Uzbekistan. This proposal was put forth by Erlist Akunbekov, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, during a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov.

According to 24.kg News Agency, the discussions occurred during Akunbekov's working visit to Uzbekistan. The meeting aimed to implement agreements made by Presidents Sadyr Japarov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev to enhance agricultural cooperation between the two nations.

Akunbekov suggested the VAT exemption specifically for Kyrgyz potato exports. This initiative follows President Japarov's directive to consider removing VAT on potato exports after local farmers from the Talas region expressed their concerns.

Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov expressed his willingness to support creating a 'green corridor' for importing potatoes and other agricultural products from Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, both sides agreed to establish a joint agricultural processing and storage enterprise in Kyrgyzstan, with funding expected from the Kyrgyz-Uzbek Development Fund.

Another aspect of the discussions centered on seed production. The two countries plan to organize seed production in Kyrgyzstan for subsequent sales in the Uzbek market. However, details regarding the joint venture's timeline, investment amount, and specific terms of the VAT exemption have not yet been finalized.