President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, recently chaired a meeting to discuss increasing export volumes and investments in the textile industry. According to the state head's press service, textile and garment production last year amounted to $8.2 billion, marking a 4.2-fold increase compared to seven years ago. Currently, over 6000 enterprises provide employment for 570,000 individuals.
In 2023, the industry's export volume reached $3.1 billion, with three new markets entered this year, expanding export geography to 83 countries. However, there are certain shortcomings in the export structure, such as a low share (20%) of high value-added products. President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to increase the production of finished products by leveraging the country's raw material base.
To enhance export to developed markets or for branding, international standards and certifications are required. Only 175 out of over 6000 enterprises meet these requirements. The President highlighted the importance of utilizing opportunities to increase projects and jobs in the regions effectively.
One of the optimal ways to boost production is by establishing branches of large enterprises in local communities. For instance, the "Zarafshon Textile" factory opened 11 regional branches in Samarkand. This approach eliminates the need for additional time and money to comply with standards or obtain certificates. The President stressed the need for the Tax Committee's Large Taxpayers Inspection to work with expanding enterprises effectively.
Access to raw materials poses a challenge for textile enterprises. While Uzbekistan has the capacity to process 1.3 million tons of cotton fiber, only about 1 million tons are currently produced. President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of reducing cotton cultivation costs and increasing field productivity.
The meeting also discussed the activities of cotton-textile clusters and proposals to ensure their stable operation. Over 100 industry entrepreneurs attended the meeting and engaged in discussions with the President. They requested various measures to support textile businesses, including extending credit repayment deadlines and restructuring the "Uztextileprom" association for better industry representation and support.
Overall, the government's focus on enhancing the textile industry's competitiveness, expanding export markets, and improving production processes signals a positive direction for Uzbekistan's economy and job creation in the sector.
