If Kyrgyzstan expanded and diversified its agricultural exports, agricultural trade would be more efficient and inclusive, contribute to better livelihoods for rural people, and foster the country’s social and economic development.

This summarizes the message of Thomas Shipton, FAO chief technical advisor in the Kyrgyz Republic, as he addressed a workshop on agricultural export promotion last week in Bishkek. The workshop – held 18-19 October – was organized jointly by FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture and Melioration, and the Ministry of the Economy. It was part of FAO’s Regional Initiative on Improving Agricultural Trade and Market Integration.