Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On June 10, as part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, a panel session was held titled “Textile Production and Investment in the Clothing Industry and Supply Chain.” The discussion focused on Uzbekistan’s rich textile heritage and new opportunities emerging in the industry.

The session was moderated by Jamil Maksudi, Director of Business Development at Oqsaroy Group. In his remarks, he noted that Uzbekistan’s centuries-old textile traditions are now entering a new phase thanks to foreign investment.

Speakers of the panel included:

• Mansurjon Rasulev, Acting Director of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• JaeYong Park, President, Youngone Corporation
• Muzaffar Razakov, CEO, Global Textile
• Akmal Primkulov, Chief Executive Officer, Wildberries Uzbekistan

The speakers shared views on enhancing the global competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s textile industry, optimizing supply chains, and achieving environmental sustainability. Particular attention was given to improving product quality through foreign investment and advanced technologies, expanding export geography, and supporting local manufacturers.

Akmal Primkulov, CEO of Wildberries Uzbekistan, emphasized the transformation in retail through e-commerce: " Retail is changing dramatically, and at Wildberries, we've built a digital ecosystem that connects producers directly with millions of customers across the globe, breaking down borders. For Uzbek manufacturers, this presents a huge opportunity. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the e-commerce market, we now have the chance to integrate into the digital world. This is not just about selling products; it’s about fully transforming your business into a digital model.

Today, reliability is key. Producers and customers are in closer contact than ever before, seeking harmony in communication, quality, and delivery times. The 21st century is reshaping how businesses operate, and for those traditional companies accustomed to the old ways, it's time to evolve.

Branding is another crucial element. Uzbekistan has immense talent and a rich heritage. We can show the world that products made in Uzbekistan, like those from global brands such as Zara, can hold their own on the international stage. We are working hard to attract Uzbek sellers to export their products worldwide, and I believe those who adapt early to digital e-commerce will lead the market in the next five years."

JaeYong Park, President of Youngone Corporation, emphasized the importance of moving beyond Uzbekistan’s traditional strengths in natural fiber and textiles, saying: “This region is traditionally known for its excellence in natural fibers and textiles - it’s clear from the land, the industry, and the people’s craftsmanship. But to truly move to the next level, there are two things Uzbekistan needs to focus on. First, investing in higher-level technologies, especially in chemical fibers. That’s what will allow the textile and garment industries to leap forward, not just evolve incrementally. And second, your people. The workforce is the backbone of this growth. In markets like Bangladesh and Vietnam, our first step is always to invest in people - training them, equipping them, setting up R&D centers that support innovation on the shop floor. Without that foundation, you can’t deliver quality or efficiency. I cannot overstate how important the shop floor is - it’s where your entire industrial capability either takes off or falls short. So please, don’t just stay where you are with cotton and natural fibers. Push forward into advanced technologies, and empower your people. That’s how you secure long-term competitiveness in the global market.”

Mansurjon Rasulev, Acting Director of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan, offered a broader investment perspective:
“When we make those presentations—when we do roadshows about Uzbekistan—you have to stay mindful that all the things we brag about: cheap labor, an abundance of human capital, low energy costs… there are many other markets that offer a similar value proposition. So, what’s unique about Uzbekistan? For a very long time, Uzbekistan was closed—until 2017. Foreign investment was at an all-time low. In 2017, investment attraction was about 3 billion dollars. Last year, we reached $35 billion. That’s a tenfold increase. When reforms began, many experts and companies were skeptical. They said, ‘Uzbekistan has been closed for so long how can we trust this will last?’ And in a way, they were right. But in eight years, we’ve proven through action, not words that we’re consistent with reforms. Now we have WTO accession on the horizon. The President set a deadline: 2026. Negotiations are on track. What does this mean? A historic window of opportunity. Starting 2026–2027, Uzbekistan will be a very competitive market. Those who invest now will get the most value. That’s my message.”

These remarks underscored the dual importance of technological modernization and long-term structural reform in Uzbekistan’s strategy to transform the textile and apparel sector into a globally competitive industry.