Uzbekistan Opens 396 Textile Plants Worth $3.5 Bn

In the past five years, Uzbekistan has launched 396 large-scale textile enterprises with a combined investment of $3.5 bn, according to figures shared at a meeting on industry development chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Over this period, total output in the sector reached $10 bn, and the industry now employs around 500,000 people. However, the meeting heard that production and export growth has slowed in light of the current global political climate. Officials stressed the need for measures to maintain output and protect jobs.

A key challenge is the sharp decline in global cotton prices, which has significantly affected cluster profitability. In the past three years, prices have dropped from $3,000 to $1,500 per tonne.

President Mirziyoyev noted that the downturn in world cotton markets is not new, urging the economic bloc to work with research institutions to prepare multiple scenarios and solutions to cushion the impact.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan will establish a Light Industry Development Agency to oversee the country’s textile, leather and silk sectors.