Over 10 textile companies in Uzbekistan have achieved recognition by obtaining the prestigious WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) international standard certificate, Dunyo reports. Leading the way, the “Uztex” group, a part of UZTEX Group, emerged as the first enterprise in Uzbekistan and Central Asia to receive this esteemed standard, marking the occasion with an official certificate ceremony.
The WRAP certificate, known for its complexity in social standards, affirms that UZTEX Group’s production aligns with the requisite social norms and rules essential for exporting products to the United States.
The certificate was formally presented by Hong May, Senior Director of Compliance at WRAP. Currently, 10 more enterprises are in the process of obtaining WRAP certification.
Highlighting the industry’s remarkable performance, the State Statistics Committee’s report for 11M2023 revealed that textile exports exceeded $2.8bn. Notably, yarn exports surged by 108%, equivalent to a 30,600-ton increase compared to 2022. The fabric category experienced an impressive growth of 185%, leading to a surge in exports of 238mn m², while finished products increased by over 122%.
With the entry of organizations such as Better Work and Better Cotton into the country, Uzbek textiles have seamlessly integrated into the supply chains of more than 27 global brands. The extension of GSP+ preferences further facilitated increased exports, especially to countries like Germany, Italy, and Poland.
The surge in textile exports has been further propelled by e-commerce. The industry’s digitalization and the growing popularity of marketplaces are projected to contribute to an additional $1bn in exports in 2024. Notably, through the Wildberries platform, Uzbekistan has already seen a substantial increase in exports by an additional $336mn.