AUCA signs MoU with Agrarian University

March 12, 2013

The Kyrgyz National Agrarian University (KNAU) and the American University of Central Asia signed a memorandum of understanding on March 11, 2013. The agreement is designed to create an agricultural research corridor in the Kyrgyz Republic, and eventually in Central Asia.

The President of KNAU, Rysbek Zaryldykovich Nurgaziev, and AUCA President Andrew Wachtel met to discuss future cooperation and campus visits. Both expressed their wish to see the partnership flourish, and noted that these two universities can complement each other in their missions and benefit the people of Central Asia.

For President Wachtel the idea for AUCA to become involved in agriculture makes sense considering its impact on the Kyrgyz Economy. AUCA is not going to educate farmers, that job will be left up to more qualified institutions like KNAU. But AUCA will support joint research, faculty development, extension program development, and student exchange from its new Environmental Management and Sustainable Development department.

The next step for the partnership will be a visit to KNAU in April, where the two presidents will once again discuss opportunities for collaboration, and set in place a workplan for fall 2013.