BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 23
By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:
Uzbekistan plans to start saffron cultivation and processing in Bakhmal district of Jizzakh region, Trend reports citing Dunyo News Agency.
Representatives of Uzbek BMB Trade Group company held online negotiations with President of Italian company Opera SRL, Paolo de Angelis.
The topic of discussion was the implementation of an investment project on cultivation and processing of saffron in Jizzakh region, as well as issues of organization of further export of grown products to Italy.
“This project is one of the most significant ones on the agenda of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Its implementation will facilitate the introduction of cutting-edge Italian experience and technologies, as well as the development of strategic partnership in organizing a cluster of medicinal plants in Uzbekistan,” the message said.
Heads of companies exchanged information on joint efforts undertaken to operationalize the planned activities since the signing of the joint activity agreement.
The Italian businessman noted that in the next five years, the Bakhmal district will be able to become one of the largest international centers for saffron cultivation and processing.
The parties also discussed the issues of opening financing and further steps on transportation of saffron bulbs, import of modern equipment and preparation of sowing areas.
The preliminary estimated cost of this investment project is about $20 million.
Saffron is cultivated in Iran (90 percent), India, Greece, Italy, Spain, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
The cost of saffron in the international market ranges from 8,000 to 30,000 euros per kilogram: the higher the quality of the final product, the higher the selling price.
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