TASHKENT — Uzbekistan’s dynamic textile and apparel industry has rapidly emerged as a foundational pillar of the national economy, presenting significant investment and partnership opportunities for Korean manufacturers and retailers, Uzbek officials highlighted at the Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum on Tuesday.
Ruhullo Zikrilayev, deputy director of the Agency for the Development of Light Industry of Uzbekistan, emphasized that the thriving sector is now “one of the key pillars” driving the country’s economic growth and diversification.
Currently, Uzbekistan’s light industry sector boasts over 10,000 active enterprises, with high-quality textile and apparel products successfully exported to more than 75 countries worldwide, showcasing its global reach and production capabilities.
“Historically, our textile industry was largely centered on exporting raw cotton,” Zikrilayev explained. “However, this landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, shifting towards value-added production.”
Moving decisively beyond its traditional role as a primary cotton exporter, Uzbekistan has strategically climbed the manufacturing value chain. Finished textile goods now impressively constitute approximately 65 percent of the nation’s total textile exports, reflecting a strong focus on processing and innovation.
To support this burgeoning growth, Zikrilayev detailed more than 15 comprehensive government support programs available for textile and garment companies. These initiatives include preferential financing options, dedicated assistance for foreign specialists, backing for establishing overseas showrooms and warehouses, exhibition cost coverage, implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and crucial international standards certification.
“Uzbekistan provides highly competitive production costs, strategic geographical access to major international markets, and an increasingly favorable investment climate for global partners,” he asserted, underscoring the nation’s appeal.
While Uzbekistan stands out as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies, attracting large-scale foreign direct investment (FDI) remains a priority. This will necessitate ongoing enhancements in logistics infrastructure, regulatory predictability, and continuous workforce development to sustain momentum, Zikrilayev noted.
He specifically cited Korea’s Youngone Corporation as a prime success story of Korean investment within Uzbekistan’s flourishing textile industry. Youngone operates significant production facilities in Samarkand and Tashkent, manufacturing apparel for renowned global brands, demonstrating the potential for successful international collaboration.
“We are eager to forge strong partnerships with Korean retailers, manufacturers, and investors to jointly develop and market globally competitive brands from Uzbekistan,” Zikrilayev concluded, inviting deeper engagement.
sanjaykumar
