The results and recommendations for the light industry have been discussed.
On December 12, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to discuss measures for further enhancing the effectiveness of reforms in the textile and leather industries.
These sectors play a crucial role in providing employment and increasing exports. They employ 430 thousand people. The share of light industry in total production is 14 percent, while in exports it is 16 percent.
However, in the current challenging times, the situation in external markets is changing rapidly. This has led to a decrease in export prices: by 9 percent for yarn, 15 percent for fabrics, and 13 percent for finished products. Furthermore, there is a decline in demand for finished products in the main export directions.
The meeting discussed measures to adapt to these conditions and fully mobilize internal resources.
From January to November, the export of textile products amounted to 2.6 billion dollars. It was emphasized that the existing capabilities of the industry allow for a significant increase in this figure.
It was noted that in light of the declining prices for cotton fiber in the global market, it is necessary to enhance the deep processing of fiber and yarn. Additional support measures for enterprises involved in fabric production and dyeing have been outlined. Authorities have been tasked with raising the yarn processing level to 70 percent.
Additionally, the cancellation of the 10 percent export duty on sheep and goat skins this year has facilitated the signing of export contracts worth 3 million dollars. It has been instructed to continue this practice next year to boost export volumes.
Reports from responsible officials on measures to ensure leather enterprises have sufficient raw materials and future plans were heard.
It was noted that there is a severe shortage of middle-level specialists in the leather industry, such as cutters, seamstresses, and masters. Currently, only 167 specialists are trained annually in this field. Consequently, a dual education system is proposed, linking leading enterprises in Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Samarkand, and Tashkent regions with local technical schools.
Plans for the next year were announced during the meeting.
As noted, more than 2 billion dollars in foreign investments are planned to be attracted to the light industry, with 82 large projects to be implemented and 25 thousand new jobs to be created. The goal is to increase the export of textile products to 4 billion dollars and leather products to 250 million dollars.