Opportunities for Increasing Added Value in Uzbekistan's Fruit and Vegetable Sector

Uzbekistan holds a strategically significant position in global fruit and vegetable production, yet a substantial proportion of its output is exported as raw or minimally processed commodities, resulting in a considerable loss of economic potential. This article investigates the key opportunities for increasing added value within Uzbekistan's fruit and vegetable sector through post-harvest processing, logistics modernization, branding, digital technology integration, and institutional development. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative trade data analysis with qualitative assessment of value chain constraints, the study identifies critical bottlenecks and proposes a multi-level strategic framework for sectoral upgrading. Findings indicate that targeted investment in processing infrastructure, cold-chain logistics, and GI-based branding could increase the sector's export revenue by an estimated 35–45% over a five-year horizon. The study contributes to the emerging body of literature on agro-industrial development in Central Asian transition economies and offers actionable policy recommendations for both government agencies and private sector actors.