ISLAMABAD, September 29. /Dunyo IA/.  Online negotiations were held between the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev; Deputy Director of the Agency for the Development of Light Industry Rukhullo Zikrillaev and Director of “H&M Group” for Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Africa Region Ziaur Rahman, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the meeting, parties discussed issues regarding the wider integration of Uzbek textile products into the global supply chains of international brands, increasing the export of value-added finished products, as well as entering new foreign markets.

Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev briefed on the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan, measures implemented to attract and support foreign investors, as well as the opportunities created for them. It was noted that over recent years, a series of reforms have been carried out in the country’s light industry sector, a significant manufacturing capacity has been developed, and a complete value chain has been established - ranging from raw cotton cultivation to the production of yarn, fabrics, dyeing and finishing, up to the manufacturing of ready-made garments and knitwear.

In particular, it was emphasized that the entire volume of raw cotton grown in Uzbekistan is processed domestically, export volume of light industry products has reached $4 billion and domestic products are supplied to the markets of 75 countries.

According to the Regional Head of “H&M” Ziaur Rahman, company possesses nearly 30 years of experience in sourcing textiles and ready-made garments from international markets, as well as managing global supply chains.

“We are well aware of the comprehensive production value chain established in Uzbekistan, spanning from raw cotton to finished goods, he noted. - Furthermore, trade preferences for accessing the European market, state support provided to manufacturers and the country's strategic geographical location in relation to European markets constitute vital competitive advantages”.

During the negotiations, practical mechanisms for establishing cooperation with “H&M” were also reviewed.

In particular, parties discussed the possibilities of leveraging procurement solutions of “H&M” to promote the products of the Uzbek light industry to international brands and major retail networks.

Furthermore, it was proposed to leverage the company’s extensive international experience to provide expert support in areas such as adapting local manufacturers to the requirements of “H&M” and other global brands, developing an export-oriented product assortment, enhancing the marketing and sales capacity of enterprises, establishing direct contacts with international buyers, and attracting new export orders.

“H&M” representative expressed interest in these proposals and confirmed readiness to cooperate in promoting Uzbek textile products among leading brands in Europe and other markets, as well as in securing practical export orders for domestic enterprises.

Following the negotiations, an agreement was reached to organize a business mission of the “H&M” delegation to Uzbekistan, during which company representatives will be able to directly familiarize themselves with the manufacturing capabilities of the textile, garment and knitwear industries.