These industries play an essential role in providing employment and increasing exports. They employ 430 thousand people. The share of the 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 measures to adapt to these conditions and fully mobilize domestic resources were discussed at the meeting.

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

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 task set for responsible persons is to increase 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. It was instructed to continue this practice next year 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, and craftsmen. Currently, only 167 specialists graduate in this area annually. In this regard, it was proposed to introduce a dual training system, linking leading enterprises of 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 in foreign investment to the light industry, implement 82 large projects, and create 25 thousand new jobs. It is planned to increase the export of textile products to $4 billion and leather products to $250 million.