A German springboard for Uzbek light industry: Uzbekistan is breaking into global supply chains.

Uzbekistan is striving to strengthen its light industry's position in the global market by actively developing cooperation with German partners. The UzTukimachiliksanoat (Uzbek Textile Industry Association) and the German organization Gesamtmasche are jointly implementing the GUZ Partners project, which aims to expand the participation of Uzbek textile enterprises in global supply chains, according to UzA.

The three-year project aims to establish new business connections, expand the export potential of Uzbek companies, and enhance the competitiveness of domestic textile products.

One of the key aspects of the project is the training of specialists who meet international standards. More than 30 industry representatives attended practical seminars as part of the Train-the-Trainer program, covering fabric dyeing and finishing technologies and developing export competencies. Participants learned about modern production methods, approaches to process optimization, and tools for promoting products in foreign markets.

The project also emphasizes direct interaction between Uzbek manufacturers and foreign experts and potential partners. As part of the TextileExpo Uzbekistan Spring 2026 exhibition, German specialists met with representatives of more than 20 local manufacturers and brands. Issues of product quality, expanding export geographies, sustainable development, and improving production efficiency were discussed.

A separate focus was the development of textile education and design. A five-day international training seminar for designers, teachers, business specialists, and students was held at the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry, featuring international fashion and design expert Robert Herzog. Participants exchanged experiences in contemporary design solutions and discussed current trends in the global fashion industry.

Light industry is one of Uzbekistan's key export sectors, occupying a significant place in the country's export structure. According to the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, in the first half of 2026, light industry exports amounted to $1.66 billion, accounting for 11.5% of the country's total export volume.

The challenge now is not only to increase Uzbek textile exports but also to better integrate domestic enterprises into global production and distribution chains. In this context, the German partnership could serve as a springboard for the Uzbek textile industry, facilitating the transition from traditional exports to international supply chains, where key factors include not only price but also quality, design, technology, standards, and the ability to consistently meet the requirements of international customers.