India Uzbekistan Business and Cultural Council
About Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It lies mainly between two major rivers, the Syr
Darya (ancient Jaxartes River) to the northeast and the Amu Darya (ancient Oxus River) to the
southwest, though they only partly form its boundaries.
The country is characterized with marked aridity and lot of sunshine. The average rainfall is
only 8 inches (200 mm) annually. Most rain falls in winter and spring, with higher levels in the
mountains and minimal amounts over deserts. Vegetation patterns in Uzbekistan vary largely according
to altitude. The lowlands in the west have a thin natural cover of desert sedge and grass. The high
foothills in the east support grass, and forests and brushwood appear on the hills. Forests cover
less than 8 percent of Uzbekistan’s area.
Animal life in the deserts and plains includes rodents, foxes, wolves, and occasional gazelles
and antelopes. Boars, roe deer, bears, wolves, Siberian goats, and some lynx live in the high
mountains. Uzbekistan is suitable for cattle-raising and the cultivation of cotton due to ample
sunlight, mild winters of short duration, fertile irrigated soil, and good pastures. Irrigation has
not been optimal because of the depletion of the great rivers, and the construction of new
irrigation systems has been prohibited or curtailed. Already existing grand canals include the Great
Fergana, Northern Fergana, Southern Fergana, and Tashkent. Several large artificial lakes and
reservoirs have been created on the Zeravshan and other rivers.
Besides cotton, growers have raised silkworms systematically since the 4th century. The
silkworms are fed mulberry leaves from the many trees planted along streets and ditches. The Fergana
Valley is especially noted for silk production. Varieties of melons, apricots, pomegranates,
berries, apples, pears, cherries, and figs grow abundantly, as do vegetables such as carrots,
cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and greens. Uzbekistan’s grapes are made into wine or raisins or are
eaten fresh. Fruits and vegetables are sold both in the bazaars of Tashkent, Samarkand, Fergana, and
other localities and in trade with neighbouring states. Korean agriculturalists cultivate rice long
the middle Syr Darya. Sheep are the principal livestock.
Objectives
Business Council
To promote bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan To boost businesses of all the sectors, particularly MSMEs, and create business opportunities To promote businesses of all sizes across the two countries Establish business to business and people to people contact Create tie-ups amongst chambers of commerce and have businesspeople as part of this council.
Cultural Council
To promote cultures and exchange ideas and values through this council Facilitate cultural exchanges in the form of music, dance, history, artifacts, exhibitions, expos and even through online mediums Create opportunities for student exchanges, training and courses to promote cultural relations between India and Uzbekistan To promote artists through shows, exhibitions, etc. either in person or through online mediums.
