The year 2017 proved to be very fruitful for Uzbekistan textile industry as they managed to notch up $1.1 billion worth exports. Uzbekistan’s export basket covered over 50 countries and a significant portion of their textile exports fell under the value-added products category. In fact, the value-added products accounted for 40 per cent of the total exports.
The phenomenal export growth was attributed to the proactive measures adopted by 64 trading houses that were set up on foreign soils. The figures were provided by Association of Textile and Clothing and Textile Industries Enterprises (Uztekstilprom).
In 2017 alone, the number of textile exporting units rose steeply from 293 to 350 before the year-end. The annual production of happened to be 1.4 million tonnes. Nearly, 60 per cent of this produce caters to domestic consumption. In all, the country witnessed the swinging into action of 34 investment projects for purposes of modernizing existing units and founding of new units. This enabled Uzbekistan to create an export potential of $151.7 million. The aggregate value of export potential as of 2017 stood at $356 million.
Industry experts in the country along with help from the ministry have drawn out a draft proposal for development. The draft plan envisages a medium-term perspective for cotton textile clusters. The experts were able to draw from the rich experience of existing clusters in Navoi region of Uzbekistan. The cotton industry in Uzbekistan is facing a boom with 7000 industrial units operating in the country which are mainly handling natural fibers like cotton, wool and silk.
The government in collaboration with industry plans to create 112 modern high –tech factories. In addition, the plan envisages expansion, modernization and technological upgrade of 20 of its operating capacities. The plan once set into motion will yield an export surge of nearly $2.5 billion per year besides creating 25,000 new jobs.
