Uzbekistan launches new agency to boost textile, leather, and silk exports
Tashkent unveils $560 million support package, targets major expansion in U.S. and European markets
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan is creating a dedicated Light Industry Development Agency to transform its textile, leather, and silk sectors into globally competitive industries, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced on August 13.
The agency will be led by Nozimjon Kholmurodov, the first deputy minister of investments, industry, and trade, and supported by a council of leading entrepreneurs. A $200 million preferential fund will provide working capital to help manufacturers modernize, expand production, and enter high-value markets.
Strategic export push
Speaking at a video conference on boosting exports of ready-made garments to Europe and the United States, Mirziyoyev set ambitious goals: doubling exports of finished products, cutting production costs, and integrating more firms into “processing in customs territory” schemes to attract global buyers.
Uzbekistan’s textile exports to the U.S. — a market worth an estimated $100 billion annually — could rise five- to sixfold with targeted support, he said.
As part of the strategy, the government will open trade houses in St. Louis and New York City, develop partnerships with global fashion brands generating over $1 billion in annual turnover, and host a major international exhibition in Tashkent this September.
Modernization and digital transformation
Enterprises will be encouraged to adopt enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and artificial intelligence tools to boost revenues by up to 30 percent, improve transparency, and curb the shadow economy. The state will subsidize part of the ERP training costs. Mirziyoyev also called for increasing the number of companies with international certification to 300 by year’s end.
Diversifying light industry
The initiative extends beyond textiles to strengthen Uzbekistan’s leather, silk, and carpet industries, with modernization programs to be developed in collaboration with international consultants. The president emphasized that the total support measures — equivalent to 7 trillion Uzbekistani soms ($560 million) — must deliver tangible results.
“Those who understand how hard it is today to bring even one som of additional revenue into the budget will appreciate the importance of this support,” Mirziyoyev said.
The government aims to finalize a comprehensive textile industry development program through 2030, ensuring the sector can adapt to shifting global trade rules and logistical challenges while carving out a stronger position in international markets.
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