Mongolia and Uzbekistan have recently strengthened their economic relationship through a new halal meat trade deal. Specifically, the agreement includes the export of 2,000 tons of horse meat and halal-processed mutton from Mongolia to Uzbekistan. Consequently, this step reflects growing trust and cooperation between the two countries. In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, Enkhbayar Jadamba, met with top Uzbek officials. Among them were Uzbekistan’s non-resident Ambassador Farhod Arziev and Deputy Minister of Investment Ilzat Kasymov. During the meeting, the officials focused on trade, agriculture, and mutual support in livestock and food processing.
Moreover, Minister Jadamba emphasized Mongolia’s readiness to expand halal meat production. He welcomed Uzbekistan’s interest in strengthening agricultural ties. Therefore, both sides discussed the potential to boost cooperation in veterinary services, plant quarantine, and animal husbandry. The halal meat trade deal forms part of a broader plan to grow economic collaboration. Indeed, officials see trade and agriculture as essential to strengthening bilateral ties. Accordingly, Mongolia has committed to fully support trade that benefits both nations. The goal is to increase their trade turnover to USD 100 million.
To ease trade operations, the two sides agreed on unified quarantine and tariff procedures. Additionally, they pledged to complete pending trade agreements and finalize approved goods lists as soon as possible. In addition to meat exports, Uzbekistan confirmed it will buy 100,000 live sheep and goats from Mongolia. Meanwhile, Mongolia has already sent thousands of live sheep to Uzbekistan in earlier cooperation phases. Furthermore, officials are reviewing the possibility of offering export fee relief to support larger-scale livestock trade.
Uzbekistan has expressed interest in other Mongolian exports as well. These include leather, wool, and cashmere, key products of Mongolia’s light industry. In return, Uzbekistan will share expertise in fruit and vegetable production and light manufacturing. Both countries see long-term value in building stronger trade relations. Thus, the halal meat trade deal is just the beginning of deeper cooperation. Officials believe that shared economic goals will drive more trade agreements in the future.
In conclusion, this deal not only boosts export numbers but also strengthens diplomatic and economic trust. By focusing on shared priorities like agriculture and food security, Mongolia and Uzbekistan are building a future of stable, mutually beneficial partnership.
