Results and proposals in the light industry were considered

On December 12, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on measures to further improve the effectiveness of reforms in the textile and leather industries, the press service of the head of our state reports.

These industries play an important role in providing employment and increasing exports. They employ 430 thousand people. The share of light industry in the total production volume is 14 percent, and in exports – 16 percent.

However, in the current difficult times, the situation in foreign markets is changing rapidly. This has led to a decrease in export prices: for yarn – by 9 percent, for fabrics – by 15 percent, for finished products – by 13 percent. In addition, there is a decrease in demand for finished products in the main export directions.

The meeting discussed measures to adapt to these conditions and fully mobilize domestic resources.

From January to November, textile exports amounted to 2.6 billion dollars. It was emphasized that the existing capabilities of the industry make it possible to significantly increase this figure.

It was noted that in the context of falling prices for cotton fiber on the world market, it is necessary to increase deep processing of fiber and yarn. For this purpose, additional measures to support enterprises producing and dyeing fabrics are planned. The responsible persons have been tasked with increasing the level of yarn processing to 70 percent.

In addition, the abolition of the 10 percent fee on the export of sheepskin and goat skins this year made it possible to conclude export contracts worth 3 million dollars. It was instructed to continue this practice next year in order to increase export volumes.

The reports of responsible persons on measures to provide tanneries with raw materials and plans for the future were heard.

It was noted that there is an acute shortage of mid-level personnel in the leather industry – cutters, seamstresses, craftsmen. Currently, only 167 specialists graduate in this area annually. In this regard, it was proposed to introduce a dual education system, linking leading enterprises of the Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Samarkand and Tashkent regions with local technical schools.

Plans for the next year were announced at the meeting.

As noted, it is planned to attract more than 2 billion dollars of foreign investment to the light industry, implement 82 major projects and create 25 thousand new jobs. It is planned to increase the export of textile products to 4 billion dollars, and leather products – to 250 million dollars.