Uzbek Ambassador to Sweden Reports on Labor Migration Agreement and Cooperation with H&M

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Swedish company H&M plans to establish a hub in Uzbekistan and develop a sourcing system, Uzbek Ambassador to Sweden Rahmatulla Nurimbetov said on 15 January during a video conference attended by the President of Uzbekistan.

The diplomat noted that following last year’s visit to Uzbekistan, Swedish Minister of Migration Johan Forssell confirmed Sweden’s readiness to open channels for labor migration. Both sides aim to sign an agreement on this issue within the next three months.

Among the priority areas for cooperation, the ambassador highlighted social protection, including inclusive education and reintegration programs, as well as the introduction of advanced technologies and innovations in the agricultural sector.

Special attention will be given to organic farming, including training programs, educating farmers on obtaining international certifications, and facilitating access to the Swedish market. The initiative also envisions donor participation in social and humanitarian projects, particularly in Afghanistan.

Nurimbetov emphasized Uzbekistan’s potential to export food products to Sweden, where annual demand reaches US$15 billion. He noted that even though shipping a container to the Baltic countries costs around US$8,000, with an additional US$1,500–2,000 required for onward transport to Sweden, such exports remain economically viable due to Swedish consumers’ high purchasing power.

To support export growth, it is essential to ensure stable transport corridors and compliance with international standards.

“We are working with H&M Group to attract investments in the textile sector. The company plans to open a hub and establish sourcing operations in Uzbekistan,” the ambassador stressed.

Additionally, efforts are underway to expand cooperation with Sweden in animal husbandry, including projects related to bio-protein production.