From May 15 to 22, 2026, Latvia hosted 18 production managers and technological staff members from food industry companies in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

The visit included representatives from the companies LLC “Agromir”, LLC “Maroqand Meva Sabzavot”, LLC “Navigul” (Uzbekistan), JSC “Shiri Dushanbe”, LLC “Saodat”, LLC “Oriyon Rustam”, as well as member companies of the Khatlon Entrepreneurs Association and the International Association of Agricultural Producers and Exporters of Tajikistan (Tajikistan).

During the programme, the guests became acquainted with cooperation models between Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) and Latvian food industry companies in the creation of innovations, technology transfer, and ensuring that education meets business needs. They also explored the experience of food processing companies. Participants had the opportunity to take part in masterclasses at the LBTU Institute of Food and the Institute of Horticulture, as well as visit the companies “Very Berry”, “Siera ražotne”, “Cido Group”, “Rāmkalni”, “Nutriboom”, “Balticovo”, “Gemoss”, “Avenei.lv”, and “Vilvi Group”. The Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “Bior” provided information on issues related to food safety and hygiene. In addition to professional activities, the guests also became acquainted with Latvian culture, history, and nature.

The trip was organized with the support of the project “Promoting the Relevance and Accessibility of Education and Knowledge for the Development of the Food Industry in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan”. The project is implemented by the Lifelong Learning Centre of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia within the framework of the Development Cooperation Grant Programme.

It is expected that, following the implementation of the project, the participating food companies will have gained knowledge and ideas for the development of innovative products and technologies, as well as an understanding and confidence in the benefits of the Open University learning format. The Open University provides opportunities for people already active in the labour market to obtain higher education. Within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme and under the leadership of LBTU, this training format has been established in two higher education institutions in Uzbekistan and three in Tajikistan.

More information: www.ofinu.eu