Uzbekistan signs $1-bn textile export deals

Uzbekistan, the world’s sixth-largest cotton producer, aims to further increase incomes to the national economy by exporting this strategic crop. Uzbekistan has signed contracts for the export of finished textile products and semi-finished products for more than $1 billion following the 13th International Uzbek Cotton and Textile Fair.

Large contracts were signed with companies from Russia, Turkey, South Korea, Singapore, Moldova and other countries. Representatives of foreign purchasing companies noted the quality and price parameters of Uzbek textile. At the same time, the process of contracting continues, and more accurate figures for exports will appear later. The same applies to data on cotton fibre contracting.

Last year, Uzbekistan signed contracts for the sale of textile products for 550,000 tons of cotton fibre worth more than $1.32 billion. This year around 1500 specialists from more than 50 countries took part in the 76th plenary meeting of the International Consultative Committee for Cotton and the XIII International Uzbek Cotton and Textile Fair. Uzbekistan will achieve full processing of cotton fibre in 2021. By 2020, the capacity of local enterprises will ensure the full processing of cotton produced in Uzbekistan, which can lead to a significant decrease in the export supplies of this crop. Only in 2017, the country intends to bring internal processing of cotton fibre to 70 per cent. At the same time, by 2021 the production of textile and clothing and knitted products will increase by 2.2 times compared to 2016, including ready-made fabrics – 2.7 times, knitted fabrics – 3 times, knitted goods – 3.4 times, hosiery – 3.7 times. It is planned to increase the export of products by 2 times.

One of the policy priorities of Uzbekistan, the world’s fifth-largest cotton exporter, is further development of its textile industry. Annually, the country grows about 3.5 million tons of raw cotton, produces 1.1 million tons of cotton fibre. Uzbekistan takes consistent steps to increase the volume of cotton fibre processing. In particular, it is planned to create 112 modern, high-tech industrial factories, expand, modernise and technologically upgrade 20 operating capacities. All this will increase the export potential of the industry up to $2.5 billion a year and create more than 25,000 jobs.