A delegation of Tajik textile and clothing (T&C) companies is on an intensive business trip to Uzbekistan, whose industry can serve as an example and encourage exchange between both sectors, according to International trade Center (ITC) Office in Tajikistan.
Entrepreneurs and business associations from Tajikistan are participating in this initiative promoted by the International Trade Centre under the Global Textiles and Clothing Program (GTEX). The international tour reportedly aims to encourage regional linkages and share best practices among companies from the T&C sector.
The group is composed of 24 Tajik institutions, including managers and representatives of 17 T&C companies, two consulting firms, two universities, two business associations, and one sector state ministry. The visit to Uzbekistan is taking place from June 28 until July 3, 2021.
The study tour aims to present and familiarize Tajikistan’s apparel sector to the textile value chain in Uzbekistan’s Fergana valley, namely Fergana, Namangan, and Andijan. Participants are expected to establish new business contacts and explore possibilities for sourcing materials and expand retail opportunities. In addition, they will also learn about business-specific subjects in Uzbekistan, such as taxes, import and export procedures, access to finance, and country’s support for the national T&C sector. Besides the business exchange, this initiative aims to build linkages with sector associations, T&C training institutes and universities for future collaboration.
Moreover, as part of the tour, the Tajik delegation will also visit local leading textile and clothing companies to learn about the technology and manufacturing processes.
During the study tour, the participants will also discuss the possibility of establishing partnerships and exchange programs between Tajik and Uzbek educational institutions that train specialists for the T&C industry. The Khujand Polytechnic Institute of Tajik Technical University and the Technological University of Tajikistan intend to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Namangan Engineering and Technological Institute. During the visit to this institute, the Tajik academic institutions and textile sector representatives will get acknowledged with the educational process in textile faculties.
It is also planned to establish contacts and build a network between Tajik and Uzbek sectoral associations and unions, as well as business service providers working in the T&C industry. Namangan branches of the Uztextilprom association and the Chamber of Commerce and Trade of Uzbekistan will introduce Tajik delegation to the textile industry in the region, its strength and capacities, as well as cooperation opportunities they can offer Tajikistan.
Looking for the future, both countries’ T&C sector intend to use this opportunity to envision partnerships such as potentially create joint ventures during series of B2B meetings planned to organize during the trip.
The program to Uzbekistan is made possible thanks to the close cooperation between ITC’s Global Textiles and Clothing Program (funded by the Government of Switzerland), GIZ IRDP/TRIGGER II (jointly funded by the EU and the BMZ) and USAID’s Future Growth Initiative Activity in close cooperation with local partners in both neighboring countries. Furthermore, the visit is jointly organized by the “Uztextilprom” Association and ITC partners – Tajik consulting companies “ACT Development Group” and “Business Consulting Group” with support of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
