The main objectives of the Association “Uzbekcharmpoyabzali” are to coordinate the activities of the industry via storing up and processing the raw leather, produce competitive leather products, shoes and leather goods, as well as introduce advanced technologies, modernize and technically re-equip the industry. Today the Association unites over 80 enterprises. The main directions of further development of the leather-shoe industry of Uzbekistan were discussed at a press conference.
The association pays great attention to attracting foreign investment, technical and technological modernization of enterprises. Sustainable production growth is also among priorities. In 2010 the enterprises of the association manufactured products for a total amount of 21.7 billion soums, by the end of 2016 this figure is expected to reach 484 billion soums. In addition, it is planned to produce 8.7 million pairs of shoes, up 2.7 times from 2010.
“The demand for men shoes in the republic is fully satisfied as of today. Of course, the range of women’s and children’s shoes is not so huge as it has to be, but our enterprises continue to work, new ones are being built, with the existing ones undergoing modernization”, head of Department for forecasting, economic analysis and work of the association “Uzbekcharmpoyabzali” Dilobar Safarova said.
As was underlined at the conference, the export potential of the industry saw a robust increase in recent years.
“If in 2000, our companies exported products worth only $100 thousand, by the end of 2016 this figure will reach $250 million. The geography of exports has also significantly expanded. Now our products are exported to 16 countries”, Safarova added.
The association “Uzbekcharmpoyabzali”, in cooperation with khokimiyats of areas prepared and adopted Regional program of industry development for 2016-2020, as well as the Investment program, which included 61 projects on creation of new products. 30 enterprises will be modernized. All this will allow drawing $114.6 million of investments and creating 3240 new jobs. (Uzreport/Business World Magazine)