Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and the International Labour Organization (ILO) plan to continue implementing the Better Work programme in the country's textile industry from 2027 to 2029, focusing on improving labour standards, increasing productivity and strengthening cooperation with international brands.
The proposed extension and results of the programme's current phase were discussed during a meeting at Uzbekistan's Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment.
The meeting brought together First Deputy Minister Marat Jurayev and Minna Maaskola-Despres, a senior Better Work programme specialist who travelled from the ILO's headquarters in Geneva.
During 2026, a total of 29 textile enterprises joined the Better Work programme in Uzbekistan.
Of these, 21 enterprises were recruited following visits organised jointly with the Light Industry Development Agency across nine regions of the country.
As part of the programme, specialists conducted 57 advisory visits to participating enterprises, providing consultations on workplace practices and compliance with labour requirements.
Assessments of working conditions and compliance with labour standards were carried out at 11 enterprises employing a combined workforce of 5,600 people.
The next phase of cooperation is expected to involve the signing of a new memorandum between the ILO and the Government of Uzbekistan.
Under the proposed arrangements, the Better Work programme will continue working with approximately 30 enterprises.
The initiative will focus on improving labour productivity and establishing a national system for ensuring compliance with labour standards.
Another priority will be strengthening commercial links between textile manufacturers that meet established requirements and international brands.
The planned continuation of Better Work through 2029 is intended to support further improvements in labour practices across participating textile enterprises while expanding opportunities for cooperation with international business partners.
