Photo: ritmeurasia.ru
The government of Tajikistan has announced plans to fully process its domestically grown cotton and increase exports of finished textile products by a factor of ten. Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda outlined the ambitious goal at the opening of the first International Textile Forum in Dushanbe, according to Asia-Plus.
Rasulzoda noted that only 30 percent of the country’s cotton is currently processed domestically — a figure the government aims to raise to 100 percent. He emphasized that developing a full production cycle from raw material to finished goods would create opportunities for import substitution and boost exports.
“Tajik textiles are already exported to more than 15 countries, and there is significant potential to expand that number,” he said.
The prime minister also highlighted the plan’s broader goals: strengthening the country's global market position, creating thousands of new jobs, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Sherali Kabir, Minister of Industry and New Technologies, said that the development of the cotton and textile sector aligns with Tajikistan’s fourth national strategy, which calls for accelerated industrialization and a doubling of production over the next five years.
Kabir added that the textile sector is becoming a hub for innovation. In 2024, the combined export value of textiles and cotton fiber was $300 million. With investment and closed-loop production chains, this figure could rise to $3 billion, he said.
To achieve this, full-cycle clusters are already emerging — from cotton cultivation to manufacturing finished goods. Tajikistan is also offering favorable conditions to foreign investors, including tax and customs incentives, industrial zones with infrastructure, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
According to the textile industry development strategy adopted two years ago, the government plans to employ over 600,000 people in the sector and ensure all raw cotton is processed domestically.
The International Textile Forum, organized by the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies with government support, is being held in Dushanbe from July 8 to 10. Delegations from more than 50 countries are attending. The forum aims to present Tajikistan as a promising hub for textile manufacturing, showcase export potential, and attract investment in this key economic sector.
