How Much Cotton Does Uzbekistan Produce

Photo: Press-service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In the address to the participants of the joint ITMF Annual Conference & IAF World Fashion Convention in Samarkand, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that Uzbekistan has successfully achieved 100% processing of cotton fiber within the country, a significant milestone considering that the processing rate was only 40% in 2017.

The President expressed gratitude to international partners and emphasised the positive impact of reforms in the textile industry, including abolishing the state monopoly on cotton cultivation and establishing a cluster system.

These changes have attracted domestic and foreign investors and lifted the over-a-decade-long boycott of Uzbek cotton.

Mirziyoyev highlighted the industry’s increased attractiveness for investors due to the implementation of new technologies and a stable legislative framework, resulting in a fivefold increase in textile production and a fourfold increase in exports since 2017.

Furthermore, the President outlined the priorities of ongoing textile industry reforms, focusing on investment in human capital, training, social support for workers, and the implementation of international programs such as Better Work and Better Cotton.

A conference of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Association of Apparel Manufacturers (IAF) takes place in Samarkand from September 8 to 10. The event brings together more than 500 representatives from textile enterprises, clothing manufacturers, experts and financial institutions.

The conference will also feature the presentation of the prestigious ITMF Awards and ITMF Start-up Awards.

The textile exports from Uzbekistan amounted to $1.8 billion from January to July 2024, as Kursiv Uzbekistan reports.