To achieve its goals of industrializing the country, Tajikistan has given priority to the development of the textile industry. This is due to the availability of local raw materials and the labor intensity of the industry, which contributes to the creation of more jobs, Asiaplus.tj wrote.
The country aims to reduce raw cotton exports to a minimum.
The national strategy for the development of cotton production, processing and textile industry for 2024-2040 was adopted at the end of 2023. The amount of investment for its implementation is 2 billion 750 million somoni (about $256.6 million at the current exchange rate), which is provided at the expense of funds allocated by domestic and foreign investors and the private sector.
In particular, the Strategy provides for a reduction in the export of cotton fiber and an increase in the processing of raw cotton within the country.
According to forecasts by the Ministry of Economic Development, by 2025, fiber exports should be reduced to 35 thousand tons per year. However, in the first half of 2024, Tajikistan has already managed to sell more than 54 thousand tons of fiber worth $95.5 million. In the case of exporting cotton products from them, the amount of revenue could be several times greater.
According to the government’s plans, by processing raw cotton, by 2025, compared to 2022, Tajikistan should increase the export of yarn from 32 thousand tons to 52 thousand, finished cotton products - from 1.1 thousand tons to 1.8 thousand, hosiery - from 0.7 thousand tons to 2.6 thousand.
To increase exports, it is first necessary to increase cotton production within the country. Thus, fiber production should reach from the current 114 thousand tons to 138 thousand by 2025, yarn - from 27 thousand to 57.5 thousand tons, fabrics - from 11.6 million m2 to 32.7 million m2.
Why did the textile industry become a priority?
Tajikistan has given priority to the accelerated development of the textile industry - the final processing of cotton - compared to other sectors of the real sector of the economy.
The priority of light industry is due to the availability and accessibility of local raw materials, the lack of dependence on the import of industrial goods, the characteristic labor intensity that contributes to the creation of more jobs, the ability and ample opportunities to provide the population with finished products.
The production capacity of cotton fiber processing enterprises in Tajikistan currently amounts to more than 60 thousand tons of cotton fiber per year.
The textile and clothing industries provide only 10 percent of the needs of the domestic market, while in order to maintain the economic security of the country, the volume of domestic production must satisfy at least 30% of the needs of the domestic market.
According to plans, in the period 2023-2026, production volumes of the textile industry will increase from 13 to 20 percent, and in 2027-2033 - to 30 percent; approximately 90 percent of the industry's fixed assets will be subject to technological and innovative renewal
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 12, 2024