The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation supported by PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt), and the Project “Supporting the effective use of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+) in Uzbekistan” within the framework of the regional project “Trade Facilitation in Central Asia”, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German government organized an awareness-raising seminar focused on the export requirements for textile products to the European Union.

The event brought together over 70 representatives from government organizations and private companies from the textile industry.

Uzbekistan’s textile sector is a leading and rapidly developing segment of the economy. It continually expands its export potential by supplying high-value finished products to global markets. Enhancing export capabilities and exploring new market opportunities remain top priorities for the industry.

The European Union’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+) supports exports from developing countries like Uzbekistan. Since April 10, 2021, GSP+ status has enabled duty-free export of over 6,000 types of goods to the EU market, a privilege currently accessible to only eight countries worldwide, including Uzbekistan.

Despite these advantages, Uzbekistan currently exports only about 7% of its total textile products to the EU. Challenges such as navigating export procedures, meeting market regulations, and aligning with consumer preferences create barriers to realizing the sector’s full export potential.

To address these challenges, the initiative “Supporting the Effective Use of GSP+ in Uzbekistan” aims to strengthen the textile and agricultural sectors. It includes activities to educate local producers on EU regulations and ensure compliance with technical, sanitary, and phytosanitary standards.

In his opening speech, Mr. Joachim Fritz, GIZ Uzbekistan Country Director, emphasized the need for diversifying export markets, mainly targeting the European Union. Since 2021, Uzbekistan has enjoyed GSP+ beneficiary status, granting full tariff suspensions for various products, including textiles. 

Mr. Fritz announced an upcoming 18-month project that will be implemented by GIZ in Uzbekistan. The project aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s private sector capabilities to leverage GSP+ status effectively. This initiative explicitly supports Uzbek producers in the textile and agro-processing sectors in gaining access to and thriving in the European market.

Mr. Christopher Colell, the coordinator of the PTB project “Supporting the Reform of the National Quality Infrastructure”, implemented by PTB, informed about project activities aimed at supporting the reform of the national quality infrastructure in Uzbekistan to improve the availability of internationally recognized quality assurance services for the productive sector.  This Project supports the partner institutions in intensifying their relationship with the private sector to enhance the user orientation of the provided quality assurance services, increase the demand for these services, and improve the understanding of quality requirements. Particular focus is given to increasing competitiveness in the textile sector.

During the seminar, attendees engaged in in-depth discussions covering EU market requirements for textile products, including public and private standards and available tools and information sources. 

Practical guidance was provided on registering with the EU REX system, which is essential for Uzbek exporters to effectively leverage preferential trade benefits.

The seminar also addressed significant challenges faced by Uzbek textile exporters, from navigating export procedures and regulatory compliance to meeting consumer expectations and ensuring product quality. 

Attendees gained insights into available quality assurance services and support provided by Uzbekistan’s quality infrastructure institutions.

An open discussion concluded the seminar, allowing Uzbek textile companies to articulate their specific export challenges and engage in dialogue to address barriers to EU market entry collectively. 

Bekhruz Khudoyberdiyev, UzA