Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 16-18 October 2019, the 11th international exhibition-fair of leather, shoes and fur UzCharmExpo, initiated by the Uzcharmsanoat Association, will be held at the Uzexpocenter National Exhibition Complex.

This exhibition-fair was organized by the Uzcharmsanoat Association in order to fulfill the tasks identified by Decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 3693 of May 3, 2018 "On measures to further stimulate the development and growth of the export potential of the leather and footwear and fur-fur industries" and No. 4453 dated September 16, 2019 “On measures for the further development of light industry and stimulating the production of finished products”.

This event has become an effective platform for finding new partners and building partnerships. The event attracts more than five thousand visitors every year, including the leaders of associations and federations of manufacturers of leather, shoes, fur products, editors of fashion magazines and manufacturers of finished products, textiles and fashion industry from different countries.

Also, in the work of the next exhibition, which, unlike the previous ones, is being held in a new format, more than 150 domestic and foreign companies and organizations from more than 20 countries participate. In total, over 3,500 product samples will be presented at this event.

Over the past few years, we have seen the rapid development of the leather and footwear industry, which is the result of comprehensive assistance and support from the state, as well as the enterprise of our manufacturers.

Effective measures are being taken to unconditionally implement targeted programs in the industry, aimed at ensuring the deep processing of leather raw materials, the production of finished leather and shoe products with high added value, increasing the supply of domestic products to foreign markets and attracting foreign direct investment in the industry. Given the wide range of opportunities created for the development of the sphere, 235 investment projects in the leather and footwear and fur sectors of our country will be implemented in the coming years for a total of US$431.9 million, of which US$198.6 million through attraction foreign direct investment.

The geography of exports, volumes of supplies and the amount of contracts are expanding, the structure of exports is changing in favor of selling finished products with high added value on foreign markets. In 2017, export revenue amounted to US$105.1 million, by the end of this year, exports are expected to be US$197 million (growth rate compared to 2017 is 1.9 times), and by 2025 the volume of exports is forecasted to total more US$1.5 billion

Within the framework of the current exhibition, the organizers announced a competition in the nominations: “The Best National Stand”, “The Best Foreign Stand”, “A Wide Range of Products”, “The Best Design of Shoes”, and for media representatives - “The Best Media Product” at the UzCharmExpo exhibition.

Also, a competition for young designers will be held to identify new names among talented and creative young people studying at higher educational institutions in the areas of the leather and light industries, support their ideas and effectively integrate new design solutions into the production process as part of the exhibition-fair. It is planned to determine the winners in such nominations as:

"The best design of men’s shoes";

"The best design of women’s shoes";

“The best design of children’s and teenage shoes”;

“The best design of leather goods and accessories”;

"The best design of sporting goods";

“The best design of men’s clothing made of leather (karakul)”;

"The best design of women’s clothing made of leather (karakul)."

According to these nominations, the owners of 1, 2, 3 places will be determined. Winners will be awarded with diplomas and valuable gifts from the organizers.

The regular holding of the exhibition helps to expand the geography of exports, strengthen trade and economic ties between domestic producers and foreign partners, and create and develop a leather and shoe market in the region.