In April 2026, a Dutch delegation led by Deputy Chief Phytosanitary Officer Lianne Kersbergen with her colleagues from NVWA carried out a strategic mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening agricultural cooperation in Central Asia—opening new doors for Dutch companies in horticulture, greenhouse technology, and agri-food systems.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / TNA Agroinvest greenhouse in Uzbekistan
Kazakhstan: strong foundations, growing demand
The visit to Kazakhstan (7–10 April) marked the first formal technical dialogue on phytosanitary issues between both countries. The timing is notable: there are currently no phytosanitary trade barriers for Dutch exports, creating a favorable starting position for businesses.
For Dutch companies, the key takeaway is clear: Kazakhstan is open for business and actively seeking expertise.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Opening of Dutch pavilion at GROW EXPO 2026 exhibition in Astana, Kazakhstan
With over 55 Dutch floriculture and greenhouse companies represented at Grow Expo Astana, the Netherlands demonstrated its strong position in controlled environment agriculture. Seminars on greenhouse technology and food security—organized with Dutch Greenhouse Delta—highlighted how Dutch innovation aligns with Kazakhstan’s ambition to modernize its agricultural sector.
At government level, discussions confirmed:
- Flexibility in applying Eurasian Economic Union regulations
- Openness to technical cooperation on certification, seed trade, and e-phytosanitary systems
- Strong interest in Dutch knowledge on training, certification, and laboratory systems
However, companies should be aware of several structural challenges in the Kazakh market:
- Regulatory unpredictability
- Limited production scale
- Certification capacity constraints
- High logistics and transport costs
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Meeting of Dutch Phytosanitary delegation with Kazakh KazTrade Center in Astana
Despite these hurdles, the mission significantly strengthened institutional ties and established direct communication channels between phytosanitary authorities—making future trade smoother and more predictable.
Business outlook
During their trip to Kazakhstan the Dutch delegation made 2 field visits: participated in the International Garden Day arranged by Talgar Regional Branch of the Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing and visited the Eurasian Green Product greenhouse in Almaty region of Kazakhstan.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Planting of Dutch Elite fruit trees in the nursery of Kazakh Research Institute of Fruits and Vegetables
The Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing together with Dutch Naktuinbouw and under support of Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture made a project named "Results of the scientific and technical program on the development of a virus-free nursery system in Kazakhstan". Together with Dutch Naktuinbouw experts the delegates planted Dutch elite fruit trees in the greenhouse.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Eurasian Green Product greenhouse in Almaty region, Kazakhstan
Another good example of Dutch-Kazakhstan long-term cooperation is the Eurasian Green Product greenhouse in Almaty region, built by "Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects B.V." in 2021.
Kazakhstan offers immediate opportunities in greenhouse technology, certification services, and knowledge transfer, especially for companies ready to support long-term sector development.
Uzbekistan: high potential, active reform agenda
Uzbekistan (10–15 April) was the main focus of the mission and presents one of the most dynamic growth markets in the region.
The country is actively modernizing its agricultural sector and aligning with international standards—creating strong demand for Dutch expertise.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Uzbek, Dutch and EU flags at the Symposium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Current trade discussions focus on:
- Market access for apples and stone fruits (Malus and Prunus)
- Import procedures and certification systems
- Acceptance of biological control agents
- Protection of plant breeders’ rights
For Dutch businesses, Uzbekistan stands out due to its clear reform momentum and political commitment.
During meetings with the Uzbek Quarantine Agency, authorities expressed strong interest in:
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Meeting of the Dutch Phytosanitary delegation with Uzbek Quarantine Agency in Tashkent
- Dutch inspection and food safety systems (similar to NVWA)
- Digital phytosanitary certification
- Laboratory capacity development
- Training and institutional reform
Uzbekistan’s ambitions are particularly visible in horticulture. The country aims to expand exports of high-value crops such as berries, but faces bottlenecks in laboratory capacity and certification reliability—areas where Dutch companies can play a key role.
A major highlight was the Netherlands–Uzbekistan Agricultural Symposium, attended by senior government officials, confirming agriculture as a national priority and underlining long-term cooperation opportunities.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Netherlands-Uzbekistan Agricultural Symposium in Tashkent
Concrete follow-up actions already planned include:
- Uzbek delegations visiting the Netherlands for training and study tours
- Joint participation in GreenTech Amsterdam
- Development of cooperation programs on inspection, certification, and food safety
- Exploration of a public-private partnership (PIB) in floriculture
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Dutch Phytosanitary delegation, Uzbek Vice-minister of Agriculture and the representative of Dutch Greenhouse Delta at TNA AgroInvest in Uzbekistan
Business outlook
Uzbekistan offers strong medium- to long-term opportunities in seeds, greenhouse systems, certification technologies, and advisory services—particularly for companies willing to engage in capacity building and partnerships.
What this means for Dutch companies
This mission reinforces the Netherlands’ position as a trusted partner in agricultural modernization across Central Asia. Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are actively seeking international expertise—and Dutch companies are well positioned to respond.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Phytosanitary delegation of the Netherlands at the laboratory of Uzbek Quarantine Agency in Tashkent
Key opportunities:
- Greenhouse technology and climate-controlled agriculture
- Seed systems and plant propagation
- Certification, inspection, and laboratory services
- Digital phytosanitary solutions
- Training and knowledge transfer
Key success factors:
- Long-term engagement and partnership building
- Understanding of regulatory environments
- Flexibility in addressing local challenges
- Collaboration with government and knowledge institutions
Looking ahead
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Greenhouse Fruitystan in Uzbekistan - Dutch Phytosanitary delegation and Dutch businesses
The mission has moved relationships from exploratory contacts to structured technical cooperation, with concrete follow-up actions already underway. For Dutch companies, this creates a more predictable and supportive environment to enter or expand in these markets.
Central Asia is no longer a frontier market—it is rapidly becoming a strategic growth region for Dutch agribusiness.
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Best reagrds,
Agricultural department of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Astana, Kazakhstan (LVVN Astana)