Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 12 December 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting focused on enhancing the effectiveness of reforms in the textile and leather industries.

These sectors play a crucial role in creating employment and boosting export revenues, employing 430,000 individuals. The light industry accounts for 14% of total production and 16% of exports.

However, global economic changes have significantly impacted external markets, leading to a decline in export prices: yarn by 9%, fabrics by 15%, and finished products by 13%. Additionally, there has been a decrease in demand for key export products.

The meeting reviewed measures to adapt these industries to evolving conditions and to mobilize internal resources.

From January to November 2024, textile exports amounted to US$2.6 billion. It was emphasized that the industry’s existing potential offers opportunities to substantially increase this figure.

In response to declining global cotton fiber prices, it was proposed to intensify fiber and yarn processing. To this end, additional support measures will be implemented for enterprises specializing in fabric production and dyeing. A target was set to raise yarn processing levels to 70%.

The abolition of the 10% export levy on sheep and goat hides in 2024 facilitated contracts worth US$3 million. It was instructed to continue this practice in the upcoming year to expand export volumes.

Reports from responsible officials on securing raw materials for leather enterprises and the sector’s prospects were heard.

It was noted that the leather industry faces a severe shortage of mid-level specialists, such as cutters, seamstresses, and craftsmen. Currently, only 167 specialists graduate annually in this field. To address this, a dual education system was proposed, linking leading enterprises in the Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Samarkand, and Tashkent regions with local technical colleges.

Plans for the upcoming year were also announced during the meeting.

More than US$2 billion in foreign investments are expected to be attracted to the light industry, with 82 major projects set to be implemented and 25,000 new jobs created. The goal is to increase textile exports to US$4 billion and leather product exports to US$250 million.