CA-NEWS (TJ) - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) sponsored an international agricultural fair, Agro-Expo Khujand 2010, August 27-29.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, the main objective of the fair was to unite Tajik and international agricultural dealers and establish trade linkages in Tajikistan. The fair was organized by the Association of Agribusiness in Tajikistan (AAT) with financial support from the USAID Productive Agriculture Project. More than 60 exhibitors, international and local businessmen demonstrated their products at the Expo.

Agro-Expo Khujand 2010 was the first international Agro Fair held in the north of Tajikistan. It allowed farmers, processors, and other agribusinesses with the opportunity to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign partners. This partnership will improve production processes as well as production quality increase access to developed markets beyond Tajikistan.

"Agro-Expo 2010 is important for increasing access to better agricultural inputs and equipment. This is vital for improving food production in Tajikistan", emphasized Mr. Kevin Dean, Acting Country Director of USAID.

Agro-Expo Khujand 2010 provided Tajik agribusinesses with an outstanding opportunity to meet with potential partners from other parts of Asia and Europe. A wide range of farming tools and products were on display including: farming equipment, seeds, agro-chemicals, mineral fertilizers, and processed products. Participants are also able to take part in thematic workshops on agribusiness development in Tajikistan together with international companies and experts with experience in the agricultural sector.

"This Expo provides a foundation for international suppliers, Tajikistan agribusiness, farmers and organizations supporting agriculture growth in Tajikistan to make business contacts and build relationships that will strengthen agriculture in Tajikistan for many years to come. The USAID Productive Agriculture Project is proud to support the initiative of AAT and the leadership of the Sughd regional government in creating the first Khujand Agro-Exp, and we are confident that through their continued partnership the Khujand Agro-Expo will become an annual tradition in Tajikistan", stated Will Bullock, Chief of Party of the USAID Productive Agriculture Project.

The Association of Agribusiness Tajikistan (AAT) is a consortium of agricultural input and material suppliers, farmers, processors, and exporters who contribute to the development of agribusiness by defending the rights and interests of their members.

The USAID Productive Agriculture Project is one of the many assistance projects made possible by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.

Since 1992, the American people through the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe have provided approximately $900 million in programs that support Tajikistan's democratic institutions, health care, education, and economic growth.