Uzbek food security improves

Optimism for the years to come. President Mirziyoyev is riding the relative wave of economic stability to further secure his throne. The date on the constitutional referendum is still pending. Possible elimination of presidential term limits.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Uzbekistan has jumped in the food safety ratings of the Global Food Safety Initiative (Gfsi) index of international retailers and brand owners. Tashkent has gained a good 12 positions over the past three years, placing 73rd out of 113 and approaching the 'positive half' of the ranking.

The improvement in production in Uzbekistan has been subjected to the analysis of the Institute of Macroeconomic Forecasts and Research, which, considering all factors, leads to optimism for future years as well, an important condition in times of global economic constraints and crises. The Uzbeks also gain several positions in the 'affordability' ratings, along with the 'quality and safety' and 'stability and adaptability' indices.

Analysts explain the importance of expanding production proposals in the domestic market by diversifying import directives. They emphasise the need to develop effective recommendations on national food styles and provide quality guarantees to be applied on food packaging. Various agencies, such as the Economist Intelligence Unit, with the support of Corteva Agriscience, collaborated in the definition of quality levels.

The food safety data come as Uzbek President Šavkat Mirziyoyev is stalling on constitutional reforms, stating in a regional assembly that 'there is no need to rush'. New popular consultations are planned, after more than 150,000 amendment proposals have reached the presidency since the Olij Mažlis (Parliament) decided in July to prolong public discussion on the fundamental law of the state.

The date of the constitutional referendum is still pending: a Russian-style 'reset' of presidential term limits, which would be extended from five to seven years, is expected. Mirziyoyev seeks to remove obstacles and protests, and to ride the relative wave of economic stability to make his presidential throne ever firmer.

• uzbekistan
• taškent
• savkat mirziyoyev
• economy
• food security
• food
• reform
• constitution