Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The first batch of Mongolian sheep has been delivered to Uzbekistan by air, according to the Committee of Veterinary Medicine and Livestock Development under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Committee Chairman Bahrom Norkobilov, together with a working group, visited Mongolia to oversee the implementation of livestock agreements. He personally attended the loading of 1,000 Bayad breed sheep, which were shipped to Navoi region.

According to the plan, by the end of October 60 flights will deliver 50,000 small ruminants to Uzbekistan. Another 50,000 are scheduled to arrive in November and December, bringing the total to 100,000 heads.

During the visit, Uzbek representatives held talks with Mongolia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sainbuyan Amarsaikhan. As a result, an agreement was reached to reduce export duties on sheep and goats almost threefold — from US$ 18 to US$ 7 per head.

The livestock supply deal was initially agreed upon in June during the meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. By 2029, Uzbekistan aims to increase the number of Mongolian sheep and goats in the country to 1 million.

To stimulate imports, the President of Uzbekistan introduced a 50% compensation for air transport costs of small ruminants from Mongolia.

In addition, importers are granted VAT payment deferrals and access to concessional loans for up to five years at 10% per annum with reduced collateral requirements. In seven regions, they will also be allocated pasture land for breeding purposes under direct lease agreements.