The advantageous geographical location of Uzbekistan, its high intellectual potential and rich natural resources, and a stable economy and investment opportunities all work tofacilitate active cooperation between Uzbekistan and some of the most developed states in the world, including the United States. The United States recognized the independence of Uzbekistan on Dec. 25, 1991, and opened an embassy in Tashkent in March 1992. Since the dawn of Uzbekistan’s independence, the U.S. administration haspursued five main priorities in the Central Asian region and in Uzbekistan specifically: • expand cooperation with Central Asian states to assist coalition efforts in Afghanistan; • increase development and diversification of the region’s energy resources and supply routes; • encourage political liberalization and respect for human rights; • foster competitive market economies and economic reform; and • increase the capacities of states to govern effectively.

GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit As an international organization for sustainable development with worldwide operations, the Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German government in achieving its development-policy objectives. GIZ provides feasible, forward-looking solutions for political, economic, ecological and social development in a globalized world.

The project to improve the fruit-growing technology in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan is a product of cooperation between the city of Date, Japan and the Fukushima-Uzbekistan Association on Cultural and Economic Exchange (FUA), as well as the Fergana branch of the Uzbek Scientific-Research Institute of Gardening, Winegrowing and Wine-Making named after R.R. Shreder.

Israel’s international development agency, Mashav, has been active in Uzbekistan since 1992-1993 when full diplomatic relations were established between Israel and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Water plays a vital role in the agricultural development of a country and improving the well being of the people. This is especially true for the arid countries of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, where agricultural production heavily depends on irrigation. With climate change and a population growth in these countries, it is important to use the available water prudently and more efficiently.