This article first appeared in New Straits Times.
MERAQUE Group, a leading Malaysian robotics solutions company, has signed a strategic partnership with the Agriculture Ministry of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organisations, highlighting their mutual commitment to driving innovation, collaboration and growth in the agricultural technology sector.
The partnership was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed by the director of the State Institution (Administrative and Economic Service) Shakhobjon Sharifov, and Meraque founder and chief executive officer Razali Ismail.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Republic of Uzbekistan Agriculture Minister Ibrokhim Y. Abdurakhmonov.
Uzbekistan boasts an extensive agricultural landscape, with about 4.3 million hectares of land dedicated to farming, including a million hectares for cotton and another million for various other crops.
The country is also actively expanding its horticulture sector, focusing on fruit and vegetable production.
Recognising the vast market potential, Meraque views this partnership as an opportunity to extend its expertise in drone technology and robotic solutions to revolutionise Uzbekistan's agricultural sector.
Within the next three years, Meraque said it aims to secure RM20 million in investment to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Uzbekistan.
This initiative is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs and service 100,000ha of agricultural land, contributing an estimated RM60 million in value.
The company also plans to raise RM30 million in potential investment to fuel further advancements in agricultural technology across the region.
One of the key highlights of this partnership is Meraque's role in working closely with the Uzbekistan Agriculture Ministry to develop a comprehensive drone ecosystem policy tailored for agriculture. This policy will aim to regulate and enhance the use of drone technology within the country's vast agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable growth and efficiency improvements.
The strategic partnership will prioritise education and knowledge-sharing, focusing on training programmes, governance of drone ecosystems and servicing within the agricultural sector.
With oversight of 100,000 farmers, the ministry is poised to benefit from improved efficiency, productivity and sustainability through this partnership.
'We believe that this strategic partnership will not only enhance our capabilities but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainable agricultural development. We are committed to working closely with the ministry to create cutting-edge solutions that will benefit both nations," said Razali.
