ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY: TRENDS, INDICATORS AND IMPLICATIONS WITH EVIDENCE FROM UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This paper assesses the economic development of the food industry by

analysing key indicators such as production volume, value added, export performance

and processing capacity. The study employs descriptive statistical analysis of national

time-series data, complemented by processing-capacity indicators. The findings show

that while Uzbekistan’s food industry is expanding rapidly, it faces structural

bottlenecks in processing, value addition and export diversification. Policy

implications include strengthening processing infrastructure, improving value chains,

boosting technology adoption and targeting higher-value exports