The International Trade Center (ITC) with the support from the Government of Switzerland has concluded the results of its 14 years of intervention to the textile and clothing sector of Tajikistan. Simultaneously, ITC has launched a new project aimed at enhancing the export of dried fruits from Tajikistan.
ITC Tajikistan says Dushanbe hosted this special “double” event on December 19, 2023. Around 90 guests representing the government agencies, the private sector, academia, and the international stakeholders reportedly attended the event.
Driving Dried Fruits to Global Markets
Small business exports in Tajikistan’s agribusiness sector are set to receive a global boost through a new ITC project supported by the Swiss Confederation through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Titled “Trade Promotion East: Balkans and Central Asia”, the project will amplify regional exchanges and contribute to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
To create more jobs and economic growth in the agribusiness sector, the project focuses on supporting small companies in transitioning to low-carbon practices and leveraging emerging opportunities in digital trade. These efforts are designed to strengthen the economic resilience of small businesses, including those led by women and youth.
‘Agribusiness forms the backbone of the economies of Albania, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Supporting small businesses to become more climate-resilient and digitally savvy will not only enhance the competitiveness of the sector, but by promoting exchanges between the countries, also improve food quality and food security for local populations. Thanks to SECO for trusting us to create trade impact for good and making a difference for those who need it most’, says Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Center.
‘The project will target two main groups of clients. It will work directly with small companies, while also helping local business support organizations to update and improve their services, thus reaching hundreds of companies. Importantly, the work will address sustainability and digitalization. It will be a priority to make companies greener – including by assisting them in moving towards low – carbon technologies and green trade – and increase their digital presence by linking them to global digital commerce opportunities’, says Martin Saladin, Head of Operations, Economic Development and Cooperation Division, SECO
Textiles made in Tajikistan went worldwide
The closing program “The Global Textiles and Clothing Program (GTEX)”, funded by the Swiss Confederation, increased the export competitiveness of the Tajik textile and clothing sector by supporting sector companies and relevant trade support institutions.
Since the start of ITC interventions in 2009, the beneficiary companies in Tajikistan have collectively demonstrated more than USD 150 M cumulative export performances.
Mr. Sherali Kabir, Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, highlights other overall results achieved in Tajikistan. “With this support our textile and clothing sector was able to improve its competitiveness and expand exports to new regional markets. The project support led to establishing new business contacts and signing contracts with foreign companies through participation of national companies in international trade fairs and study tours”.
Furthermore, ITC has also assisted other local entities, such as educational and trade support institutions. Ms. Naima Normatova, Chair of the Board, the Union of Private Sector Development of Tajikistan, says: “ITC launched four Garment Training Centers in the country, in close cooperation with the sector-related educational institutions. These centers trained around 500 students and young women on new modern design and sewing skills and served as excellent platforms to empower local women to acquire immediate income-generating knowledge. This incredible initiative also created a bridge between academia and the clothing industry.”
The International Trade Center is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries to become more competitive in global markets – thus contributing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Within its cooperation program for Central Asia (2022-2025), the Government of Switzerland focuses on supporting economic, social, and democratic development, promoting an integrated and regional approach in the complex field of transboundary water management, strengthening economic ties and promoting good governance.
