Uzbekistan plans to increase textile production to UZS 147 trillion ($12.2bn) and boost exports to $3.3bn in 2026, as the government intensifies efforts to deepen cotton processing and expand the share of finished, high-value-added products.
The targets were outlined on December 23, when President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was presented with the results of the textile industry’s performance in 2025 and priority tasks for the year ahead.
According to the presentation, textile production reached UZS 134 trillion ($11.2bn) in 2025, while foreign investment absorption amounted to $2.1bn. Export revenues totalled $2.5bn, showing growth compared to the previous year. Employment in the sector increased to 623,000 people, with the potential to rise to 650,000 next year.
To achieve the 2026 targets, Uzbekistan plans to further expand processing capacities for woven, knitted and finished products. The government aims to attract $2.2bn in foreign investment, which will be directed towards new facilities capable of producing 207,000 tonnes of synthetic and blended yarn, 397mn square metres of woven fabrics, 224mn pieces of sewing and knitting products, and 108mn square metres of fabric dyeing.
Officials also highlighted challenges affecting the sector’s sustainable growth, including partial reliance on imported cotton fibre, high financing costs, rising logistics expenses in foreign markets, and a shortage of qualified specialists in certain areas.
A set of measures has been developed to address these issues in 2026. These include providing $200mn in preferential working-capital loans, financially rehabilitating 138 enterprises, and involving 100 new companies in export activities.
Special attention will be given to the introduction of international standards and certification. Programmes such as Better Work, BCI, FWF and Organic EU will be implemented at 60 enterprises, while international financial reporting standards will be introduced at 15 companies. A modern textile laboratory will also be established to carry out 24 types of quality testing of finished products.
The sector is also set to accelerate digitalisation through the introduction of ERP systems and artificial intelligence technologies at 40 enterprises, aimed at improving production efficiency.
In addition, Uzbekistan plans to strengthen cooperation with international sourcing companies and major global brands, expand participation in international exhibitions, conduct targeted marketing research, and encourage the relocation of foreign enterprises.
President Mirziyoyev approved the proposed measures and instructed officials to consistently increase the share of finished products, reduce production costs, and fully realise the sector’s investment and export potential, stressing the need to build a competitive and sustainable textile industry with high value added.
