The delegation led by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva has met with the President of the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Steve Lamar.

Information was provided on the introduction of a new approach to the process of growing and processing cotton in the country – a system of clusters, the elimination of child and forced labor in the cotton harvest.

Steve Lamar noted that Uzbekistan has made incredible progress in a short period, becoming a promising market for foreign companies and investments. The country can now demonstrate leadership in implementing a business model based on fair procurement practices that ensure decent work at all levels of the supply chain.

According to the AAFA President, the U.S. textile industry is currently moving at an accelerated pace to new standards of environmental protection, social policy and corporate governance. The industry places stringent labor and social standards on any potential supplier.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached on coordinating efforts to attract leading retailers and brands from among AAFA members to the work of the upcoming International Textile Forum in Tashkent.

UzA