In a statement released by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) a groundbreaking initiative, the Better Work programme, will be launched in Uzbekistan. The project aims to revolutionize working conditions and foster competitiveness within the nation's crucial textile and garment industry.
The IFC, ILO, and key stakeholders, including the Uzbekistan government, employers, and workers' organizations, came together on May 30 to sign a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement paves the way for the implementation of the Better Work programme, which is set to run for an initial period of 24 months. The programme will play a pivotal role in supporting compliance assessments, offering training, and providing advisory services to enhance labor standards and drive competitiveness in textile and garment factories.
Uzbekistan, known as one of the world's top 10 cotton producers, has been undergoing remarkable reforms in its textile sector.
The introduction of Better Work represents a major milestone in the country's efforts to expand cotton, textile, and garment production into new global markets.
The programme will act as a catalyst, fostering collaboration among industry players and ensuring the strict adherence to labor standards in Uzbek textile and garment factories.
Conor Boyle, Officer-in-Charge of Better Work, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme's potential, stating, "The programme will support the sustainable growth of textile and garment manufacturing, which has the potential to create thousands of new, decent jobs for mostly women garment workers in rural areas across the country."
This MoU builds upon the long-standing commitment and joint efforts of the Uzbek government, the World Bank Group, ILO, and other stakeholders to improve labor and environmental standards in the cotton fields. Since 2016, the IFC has been actively engaged in supporting Uzbekistan's cotton and textile industry through advisory services and investments. The ILO has been present in the Uzbek textile sector since 2013, closely monitoring the cotton harvest. In 2022, the organization reported significant progress in eradicating systemic child and forced labor from the Uzbek cotton production cycle. The Better Work Uzbekistan programme has received its initial funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Lukas Casey, IFC Manager for Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Turkey, expressed his hopes for Better Work to send a powerful message to global apparel brands and retailers. He emphasized that the programme's presence would underscore the strength and sustainability of Uzbekistan's textile and garment industry, potentially attracting interest from international sourcing partners.
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