Uzbekistan Targets $2B Foreign Investment to Boost Textiles

Uzbekistan is setting ambitious goals for its textile industry, aiming to attract over $2 billion in foreign investment to modernize production, expand export potential, and enhance competitiveness in global markets.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation summarizing the results of the textile industry in 2025 and outlining key priorities for 2026, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The presentation highlighted that in 2025, the textile sector produced goods worth 134 trillion soums ($11.124 trillion), attracted $2.1 billion in foreign investment, and achieved exports of $2.5 billion.

The industry currently employs 623,000 people, with plans to increase the workforce to 650,000 in 2026.

For 2026, priorities include deepening cotton fiber processing and boosting production capacity for fabrics, knitwear, and finished products. Production is projected to reach 147 trillion soums ($12.204 trillion), exports $3.3 billion, and foreign investments $2.2 billion. New projects will create additional capacities for 207,000 tons of synthetic and blended yarn, 397 million m² of fabric, 224 million garments, and 108 million m² of textile dyeing.

Challenges identified include partial dependence on cotton imports, high financial costs, rising logistics expenses, and a shortage of skilled personnel. To address these, the government plans to provide $200 million in preferential loans, restructure 138 enterprises, and involve 100 more companies in exports.

Emphasis will also be placed on international standards, including Better Work, BCI, FWF, and Organic EU programs at 60 enterprises, and adoption of international financial reporting standards by 15 companies. A modern textile laboratory capable of testing 24 product quality indicators will be established.

The textile industry will accelerate digitalization through ERP systems and AI technologies at 40 enterprises. Measures will also expand international cooperation via sourcing partnerships, participation in global exhibitions, and attracting foreign production relocations.

President Mirziyoyev approved the proposals, instructing authorities to increase the share of finished products, reduce production costs, and fully utilize the industry’s investment and export potential, aiming to transform Uzbekistan’s textile sector into a sustainable, competitive system with high added value.