The current situation in Tajikistan’s textile and clothing sector as well as challenges facing this sector were discussed at a roundtable that took place in Dushanbe on May 23, according to the International Trade Center (ITC)’s Office in Tajikistan  

Organized by the Union of the Private Sector Development of Tajikistan, the event reportedly brought together representatives of the textile and clothing companies, trade and business associations, consulting companies, related state agencies, and international organizations to discuss development issues of the textile and clothing sector in the country.

Mr. Fayzalli Rajabov, Chairman of Board of the Union of Private Sector Development of Tajikistan (UPSD), opened the event and said: “We should think about how to improve the capacity of local T&C companies, so to be competitive in the regional and international markets and not to lose our positions in the domestic market.  In addition to companies’ efforts, we need to cooperate more closely with state agencies, financial institutions, and development partners on provision of favorable legal, intellectual, and financial environment.”

In addition to introduction of the current manufacturing practices, business, and marketing environment of the sector in the country, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, the State Committee on Investment and State-owned Property of Tajikistan, and the Customs Service under the Government of Tajikistan informed the audience on sector-related state programs and initiatives.  Also, participants were introduced with program activities of development partners aimed at growth of the textile and clothing sector.  In particular, the International Finance Corporation, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Aga Khan Development Network’s Accelerate Prosperity program presented their projects.

The event is the continuation of a series of roundtables organized earlier in Khujand and Bokhtar.  The series of roundtables were organized by the Union of Private Sector Development of Tajikistan in cooperation with the Tajikistan State Committee on Investment and State Property Management under the International Trade Center (ITC) project support.

The International Trade Center, supported by the Government of Switzerland, aims to increase the export competitiveness of the Tajik textile and clothing sector by supporting sector companies, and relevant trade support institutions from both public and private sectors.