Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- During a meeting (video conferencing) of the management of the Association “Uztekstilprom” with the Head of the International Labor Organization (ILO) “Third Party Monitoring” project in Uzbekistan, Jonas Astrup, the issues of cotton harvest 2020 were discussed.

The negotiations were also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations.

The parties focused on the fact that, as the previously announced decision of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan to cancel the state order for cotton and a gradual transition to market relations in cotton production, will affect the hiring process and organization of the cotton picking company in 2020.

Speaking about the progress of Uzbekistan in resolving issues of forced labor, Y. Astrup noted that not only the ILO, but also the international community highly appreciates the country's achievements, which in turn was also noted in the response of the Cotton Campaign international coalition to the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations of Uzbekistan.

To achieve the desired result, and the proper organization of the fair hiring of pickers, it is necessary that the producers of cotton fiber, farmers themselves are involved in this process, and the role of the state is reduced.

Explaining how the gathering will be organized this year, I. Khaidarov noted that in all 96 cotton and textile clusters, the gathering will be organized in accordance with fair employment standards. Currently, the Government of Uzbekistan focuses on the following 3 areas in preparing the collection:

1) the organization of seminars and training courses for farmers and representatives of cotton-textile clusters on the organization of employment (currently the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations is working in this area together with international organizations);

2) mechanization of the collection of cotton fiber (by the end of 2019, clusters purchased more than 195 cotton pickers from world and domestic manufacturers). Currently, work is underway to mechanize the collection in 4 regions of the country - Tashkent, Syrdarya, Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya in an experimental manner.

3) implementation of international standards Better Cotton Initiatives (BCI) by several clusters with the assistance of the German community for international cooperation Germany GIZ

Also, the COVID 2019 pandemic could affect the growth of voluntary pickers this year. Additionally, sustainable and decent jobs for qualified professionals are created at cluster enterprises. Thus, Indorama Agro Cluster began training 2000 operators - machine operators for further employment.

Astrup also informed that third-party monitoring in 2020 will be carried out exclusively by representatives of the Uzbek civil society, according to the ILO methodology.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to work out a joint Draft of recommendations on the organization of harvesting and its further implementation in the work process.