Discussions in Aral focused on chemical fibres, blended fabrics, textile finishing, automation and joint manufacturing as Uzbekistan seeks to expand higher-value production and reach new export markets.
Uzbekistan and China are moving to strengthen textile industry cooperation across raw materials, technology transfer, investment, joint manufacturing and international market access.
The discussions took place in Aral, Xinjiang, China, during the Xinjiang–Aral Textile Raw Materials Summit and the 20th Cotton and Textile Industry Forum.
Approximately 300 industry representatives participated in the events, including an Uzbek textile delegation, manufacturers, industry associations and leading Chinese companies, according to the Uztextileprom Association.
The meetings focused on developments in the cotton and textile industries, changes in raw-material markets, investment opportunities and the creation of more integrated production chains.
Particular attention was given to cooperation that could help Uzbek manufacturers improve productivity, diversify their raw materials and gain access to new international markets.
Chemical Fibres and Blended Fabrics Discussed
During business-to-business meetings, Uzbek and Chinese companies discussed potential supplies of synthetic and man-made cellulosic fibres, including polyester, viscose and lyocell.
Access to these materials could support Uzbekistan’s efforts to diversify beyond conventional cotton products and manufacture a wider range of blended and higher-value textiles.
The two sides also examined cooperation in:
- Blended fabric manufacturing
- Dyeing and finishing technologies
- Textile production automation
- Joint industrial investments
- International sourcing and manufacturing orders
- Professional training for textile and fashion specialists
Chinese expertise in chemical fibres, textile machinery, automation and advanced manufacturing could help Uzbek producers strengthen areas of the value chain that require further technological development.
Chinese Companies Consider Production in Uzbekistan
Chinese companies reportedly expressed interest in establishing production operations and placing manufacturing orders with textile enterprises in Uzbekistan.
The discussions also covered the potential creation of joint manufacturing facilities serving customers in Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe.
No specific investment amounts or confirmed factory projects were announced following the meetings. However, the discussions indicate growing Chinese interest in using Uzbekistan as a regional textile production and commercial platform.
Uzbekistan offers an established cotton and textile industry, access to regional markets and expanding capabilities in yarn, fabrics, garments and home textiles. Chinese partners could contribute investment, machinery, technical knowledge and connections to international supply chains.
Combining these capabilities could enable joint ventures to manufacture products closer to Central Asian, CIS and European customers while reducing their dependence on long-distance production and logistics.
Cooperation Includes Training for Designers
Technology and machinery were not the only areas discussed.
Uztextileprom and its Chinese partners also agreed to cooperate in the training and professional development of Uzbek designers and fashion specialists.
Developing creative and product-development capabilities is important to Uzbekistan’s ambition to move beyond exports of yarn and basic fabrics towards finished apparel, branded products and other higher-value textile goods.
Modern machinery can increase manufacturing efficiency, but the ability to develop market-oriented collections, respond to consumer trends and work with international brands will also influence the country’s future export competitiveness.
Fergana Seeks Additional Chinese Investment
Separately, Uzbekistan’s Fergana Region is working to expand its trade and investment relationship with Chinese businesses.
Fergana Region Governor Khayrullo Bozorov met with a delegation led by Liu Chuanwu, president of the Chinese company Huahe International Business Consulting.
According to the Fergana Regional Administration, the meeting focused on strengthening trade and economic cooperation, connecting Fergana companies directly with Chinese businesses and developing new investment projects.
The two sides said practical efforts were already under way to establish business connections and identify areas for joint activity.
A Chinese goods exhibition is scheduled to take place in Tashkent from 2–4 September 2026, with approximately 200 Chinese companies expected to participate.
The exhibition is expected to cover agriculture, energy, textiles and light industry, construction and building materials, providing further opportunities for Uzbek companies and regional authorities to develop partnerships with Chinese investors and suppliers.
Uzbekistan Targets Higher Textile Exports
Uzbekistan exported approximately $2.6 billion worth of textile products in 2025, while exports of finished textile goods reportedly increased by 18.5%.
Industry and government sources have cited textile export objectives ranging from $3.3 billion to $4 billion for 2026, reflecting the country’s ambition to increase production and sell more value-added products internationally.
Reaching these targets will require more than additional production volume. Uzbek manufacturers will need to improve efficiency, expand finishing capabilities, diversify fibre and fabric production and develop products suited to demanding international markets.
Chinese investment and technology could support this transition, particularly in areas such as chemical fibres, automation, dyeing and finishing, blended textiles and large-scale manufacturing.
The discussions in Aral and Fergana demonstrate that textile cooperation is developing on multiple levels—from raw materials and machinery to joint factories, commercial orders and skills development.
The next measure of progress will be whether these discussions lead to confirmed investments, new production facilities and sustained export orders capable of moving Uzbekistan further towards higher-value textile and apparel manufacturing.
