Uzbekistan Targets US$ 2 Bn In New Investment To Accelerate Textile Industry Growth
Uzbekistan has set ambitious targets for its textile industry, aiming to attract more than US$ 2 billion in foreign investment to modernize production, expand exports and strengthen its competitiveness in global markets.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the sector’s performance in 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026 during a high-level presentation, according to The Caspian Post, citing Uzbek media.
In 2025, the textile industry produced goods worth 134 trillion soums (US$ 11.12 billion), attracted US$ 2.1 billion in foreign investment and recorded exports of US$ 2.5 billion. The sector currently employs around 623,000 people, with plans to expand the workforce to 650,000 in 2026.
For the coming year, the government has placed strong emphasis on deeper processing of cotton fibre and expanding capacity in fabrics, knitwear and finished garments. Production is projected to rise to 147 trillion soums (US$ 12.2 billion), while exports are expected to reach US$ 3.3 billion and foreign investment US$ 2.2 billion.
New projects planned for 2026 will add capacity for 207,000 tonnes of synthetic and blended yarn, 397 million square metres of fabric, 224 million garments and 108 million square metres of textile dyeing.
However, the presentation also highlighted persistent challenges, including partial dependence on imported cotton, high financing costs, rising logistics expenses and a shortage of skilled personnel. To address these issues, the government plans to extend US$ 200 million in preferential loans, restructure 138 textile enterprises and support 100 additional companies in entering export markets.
Greater alignment with international standards will be another priority. Around 60 enterprises will adopt certifications such as Better Work, BCI, FWF and Organic EU, while 15 companies will transition to international financial reporting standards. A modern textile laboratory capable of testing 24 quality indicators is also set to be established.
The industry’s digital transformation will accelerate through the introduction of ERP systems and artificial intelligence technologies at 40 enterprises. Authorities also plan to expand international cooperation by strengthening sourcing partnerships, increasing participation in global exhibitions and attracting foreign manufacturers looking to relocate production.
President Mirziyoyev approved the proposals and instructed relevant agencies to increase the share of finished products, reduce production costs and fully unlock the sector’s investment and export potential. The long-term goal is to transform Uzbekistan’s textile industry into a sustainable, high–value-added and globally competitive ecosystem.
