President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the guests and participants of the Conference of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation and the International Apparel Association, which is taking place in Tashkent, the press office of the President of Uzbekistan reported.
Mirziyoyev noted that the country has significantly improved the business and investment environment in recent years. Reforms are underway in the garment and textile industries. The President highlighted the abolition of the monopoly in cotton production, the modernisation of the cluster system and the introduction of modern textile production technologies among the key changes.
A significant achievement was the increase in raw cotton processing from 40% in 2017 to 100% at the moment. In parallel, measures are undertaken to import raw cotton and manufacture high-value products.
Improved conditions in the sector have enabled Uzbekistan to increase cotton production fivefold, Mirziyoyev emphasised. Exports have increased fourfold. Previously, raw materials made up 70% of exports; now finished products made up 60% of exports.
The President noted that human capital development has become a priority as reforms started. Young people and women participate in employee training programmes, and qualified personnel is trained for all industries.
Employees of enterprises have decent working conditions that meet international standards. Uzbekistan is implementing the Better Work and Better Cotton programmes. Particular attention is paid to ensuring labour rights and comprehensive support for over 600,000 people employed in the industry.
