Uzbekistan and China expand cooperation in textile industry

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and China have agreed to expand cooperation in the textile industry, including raw material supplies, technology, investment and the creation of joint production facilities.

The talks took place in Aral, Xinjiang, China, as part of the Xinjiang–Aral Textile Raw Materials Summit and the 20th Cotton and Textile Industry Forum, Uzbekistan’s Uztextileprom Association said.

About 300 industry representatives took part in the events, including a delegation from Uzbekistan’s textile industry, representatives of Uzbek enterprises and industry associations, as well as leading Chinese companies.

Participants discussed the current state and prospects of the cotton and textile industries, changes in the raw materials market, investment opportunities and the development of production chains. Particular attention was paid to expanding access to new foreign markets.

During B2B talks, Uzbek companies discussed supplies of synthetic and chemical fibers with their Chinese counterparts, including polyester, viscose and lyocell. The sides also considered cooperation in the production of blended fabrics, the introduction of dyeing and finishing technologies, automation of production processes and joint investment projects.

Chinese companies, in turn, expressed interest in locating production facilities and placing orders with enterprises in Uzbekistan. The sides also discussed establishing joint production facilities targeting markets in Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the European Union.

Chinese partners are considering using Uzbekistan as a regional production and trading hub. The statement did not specify the amounts of investment or parameters of potential projects.

Another area of cooperation will be the training and professional development of specialists in creative professions.

Uztextileprom and Chinese industry partners agreed to cooperate in training local designers and fashion designers and developing their professional skills.

Following the meetings, the sides identified further areas of cooperation related to investment, industrial cooperation, technology and exports.

The agreements are expected to contribute to expanding Uzbekistan-China cooperation in the textile industry and developing the export potential of Uzbek enterprises.