Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Andijan region.

The first of many places included in the trip program was a visit to Asaka Textiles cluster enterprise.

The large complex is a striking example of economic contrast. Until 2016, this place was abandoned. Thanks to the support and motivation of entrepreneurs from the Head of state, new buildings and structures were built here in stages, and production began in August 2022. Due to an US$83 million project, a complete production chain has been created here, from raw materials to finished products.

In particular, the cluster grows cotton on 11 thousand 200 hectares in Ulugnor and Jalaquduq districts of Andijan region and Yangibazar district of Khorezm region. Of these, drip irrigation was introduced on 2.7 thousand hectares.

The plant in Asaka has equipment from Switzerland, Italy, Türkiye, Germany, and Japan. It can produce 11 thousand tons of yarn, 8 thousand tons of terry and knitted fabric per year, dye 12 thousand tons of yarn and fabric, and produce 6 thousand tons of finished knitwear and towels. 3.2 thousand people work here.

The company has established quality control in accordance with the requirements of foreign partners. A facility has also been launched to purify water coming out of the dye shop.

The cluster has implemented projects worth US$102 million and created an annual export capacity of US$50 million. Compared to the situation seven years ago, the income and economic interest difference is striking.

In the coming years, the cluster plans to organize a plant in Ulugnor district for processing 70 thousand tons of cotton fiber and enterprises for the production of knitwear and socks. More than 1.6 thousand new jobs will be created there.

Information about the concept of development of the cotton-textile industry using the example of Andijan region was also presented here. As noted, production costs will be reduced by 15 percent, and the increase in added value will be 65 percent. A school of designers and technologists will be created, and well-known brands and retailers will be attracted. Exports of industry enterprises will reach US$800 million.

The Head of state paid particular attention to the issue of increasing interest in relations between the cluster and farmers.

“We are developing market relations in agriculture. Our goal is to increase the benefits from the land and increase the interest of product manufacturers. The lower level of agriculture – farmers – must also be competitive”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The President also spoke with seamstresses working at the enterprise. Some returned from labor migration because high-paying jobs appeared in their home district.