LocationsBishkek, 16 September 2026 — Government and private-sector representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have gathered in Bishkek to strengthen agricultural export inspection systems and help producers demonstrate that their products meet internationally recognized quality standards - an increasingly important condition for competing in higher-value markets.
Central Asian countries strengthen agricultural export quality systems to unlock higher-value markets
September 16, 2026
Dried apricots being sorted and packaged for export, highlighting the importance of consistent quality and effective inspection systems in accessing higher-value markets.
UNDP Kyrgyzstan
The two-day regional workshop, “Export Inspections of Agricultural Quality Standards for Improved Market Access,” takes place on 16–17 September and is organized by UNECE, OECD, Hilfswerk International and UNDP, in cooperation with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. Responding to a request for technical assistance from the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the workshop brings international expertise together with national experience from across Central Asia. It builds on regional cooperation on agricultural quality standards and inspection systems, including technical training held in Tashkent in 2024.
Central Asia has significant potential to expand exports of fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, nuts and other higher-value agricultural products. However, exporters must be able to demonstrate consistently that their products meet the quality requirements of destination markets. Effective standards and inspection systems can reduce uncertainty and trade risks, strengthen buyer confidence, and improve competitiveness.
“International standards should not be seen simply as a compliance burden. They are, in many ways, a passport to markets. When standards are understood and applied consistently, they reduce uncertainty and transaction risks, help differentiate quality products, and strengthen confidence among buyers and trading partners,” said Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative at the workshop
UNDP Kyrgyzstan
A key area for further development in Central Asia is the systematic verification of commercial quality, complementing existing phytosanitary and food-safety controls. The workshop therefore focuses on how countries can organize effective export inspection systems, drawing on experience from South Africa and European Union member states and examining requirements in major export markets. Participants will also undertake a practical quality assessment of fresh and dried apricots and identify legal, institutional, capacity and infrastructure measures needed to strengthen national inspection systems and define priority next steps.
The initiative builds on cooperation since 2018 through the Central Asian Working Group to Promote Exports of Agricultural Produce. This cooperation has enabled countries in the region not only to apply international standards but also to contribute to their development. During Phase V of UNDP’s Aid for Trade programme, standards developed with contributions from Central Asian experts for peanuts, apricot kernels and dried persimmons were adopted as UNECE commercial quality standards
In Kyrgyzstan, UNDP has supported national partners in strengthening the broader export-development ecosystem, including development of the National Export Development Programme “Made in Kyrgyzstan” 2025–2028, and stronger internationally aligned certification capacity.
The Bishkek workshop takes this cooperation a step further - from understanding and developing standards towards putting in place practical systems that can help exporters demonstrate quality, strengthen buyer confidence, and access new markets.
UNDP’s contribution is supported through the regional Aid for Trade in Central Asia – Phase V programme, funded by the Government of Finland.
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