Already a strong producer of raw cotton and yarns, Uzbekistan is now ready to take its textile manufacturing capabilities to the next stage Supported by a number of incentives through the Textile Industry Development Plan implemented by the Government since 2010, the textile sector now focuses on expanding its existing production capacity besides the new investments. The objective of Uzbekistan is to invest in cutting-edge processes in fabric post-production processes and finishing.
The enthusiasm of Uzbekistan to advance in these segments is followed by the Swiss Textile Machinery Association (Swissmem) with great interest. Therefore, Swissmem holds a two-day symposium in Tashkent. 14 leading textile machinery manufacturers from Switzerland showcases their technology and know-how during the symposium. The event was opened by the Swiss Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Olivier Chave, and Bakhodir Alikhanov, Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Textile and Garment Association. It was attended by hundreds of delegates from the Uzbek textile and clothing sector, as well as a large contingent of students from the textile faculty of Tashkent University.
Attention-Grabbing Market of European Technology Manufacturers
Uzbekistan, which is among the important markets of rapidly-developing Central Asia, offers an important resource to the problem of raw materials because of its large volume in the textile sector and especially cotton production. Additionally, the investments that have been made by the region are on the way to become the attraction centre of the region since Uzbekistan achieved its independence. Being one of the countries particularly followed by European technology producers closely, Uzbekistan also hosts the Central Asia International Textile Machinery Fair, CAITME. Uzbekistan has become a prominent market for international technology manufacturers thanks to the recent investments made in the textile sector.
Investments Made In Added-Value Production Increases
Welcoming the delegates, Ernesto Maurer, President of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association, said it was clear that recent actions by the Uzbekistan government signalled its intent to foster advances in both the technology level and the extended range of textile-producing activities by its textile manufacturers. “The fact that the Uzbek currency is now convertible for international exchange is the foundation for a significant increase in foreign trade,” he said. “And the presence at the symposium of many important representatives of the Uzbekistan textile industry is proof that there is great enthusiasm to take advantage of the new opportunities, especially in the development of business in the value-added areas of textile production, downstream from the established raw cotton and yarn sectors.”
According to Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General of Swissmem, the machinery manufacturers presenting their technology at the event were gratified at the level of interest shown. “As well as the industrialists, it was especially pleasing to welcome many textile students to learn about the Swiss companies and their products. After all, we are planning to create new partnerships and project for the future, and these are the people who will be involved in this process in the years to come,” she said.
The member companies of Swissmem taking part in the symposium were: Amsler Tex, Benninger, ITEMA, Jakob Müller, Loepfe Brothers, Luwa, Maag Brothers, Rieter, Rieter Components (Bräcker, Graf, SSM), Saurer, Stäubli Sargans and Steiger.
