A traditional fair is organized with the initiative of President Islam Karimov Islam Karimov, the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the association “Uzpahtasanoat” and Uzbek Center for Certification of cotton fiber “Sifat”.

At the opening of the fair it was specifically noted that under the supervision of President Islam Karimov’s wide-ranging reforms accomplished in one of the most important industries, in cotton production. A special attention is paid to the development of new technologies, obtaining high-quality cotton fiber, the use in trade of raw cotton and the principles of market economy mechanisms. All this contributes to the steady growth of the prestige and competitiveness of Uzbek cotton in the world market.

In recent years the national certification system has undergone fundamental changes. The transition is made to a system of indicators of quality of cotton fiber HVI, which is widely used in world practice. Center “Sifat” has laboratories with the ability to control the quality and weight of each bale of cotton.

Despite the ongoing global economic crisis, our country due to political and economic stability, along with other areas cotton industry is experiencing a dynamic growth. Today the Uzbek cotton is exported to countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and Turkey. There is a growing need for the Uzbek cotton fiber in the South-East Asia, where textile industry is rapidly developing. Uzbek cotton fiber is famous in the world market for its high quality, whiteness and durability, high performance and full compliance with the requirements of the global textile industry.

The world market demand for Uzbek cotton fiber, its high quality is recognized throughout the world. This is confirmed by the fact that from year to year the number of participants of the fair is increasing. In particular, in 2008 the International Uzbek Cotton Fair was attended by over 400 representatives of more than 300 companies in the cotton business from over 30 countries, but this time there are participating 515 businesspeople from 34 countries.

During the fair, participants have an opportunity to get acquainted with the strategy of development of the cotton industry, learn about the factors that ensure the high quality of Uzbek cotton, to make contracts for the delivery. In addition, the fair participants will visit the cotton plants, terminals and farms, on the ground, and will become familiar with the processes of growing, processing and export of cotton in Uzbekistan. International Uzbek Cotton Fair will be important in further strengthening the cooperation between domestic and foreign companies.

This forum will not only promote cooperation between relevant organizations of Uzbekistan and the largest textile companies in different countries and leading traders, but also foreign firms and companies engaged in the cultivation, processing, sale and supply of cotton.

It should be noted that, cotton crop exhibited at the fair in previous years were fully sold out. In particular, at the fair in 2008 there were awarded contracts and agreements for the purchase of more than 950,000 tonnes of cotton. This demonstrates the high demand for Uzbek cotton in the world market and the full implementation of its proposed level.

The speakers at the opening of the fair and foreign experts pointed out that Uzbekistan will provide high-quality cotton and has increased the interest in strengthening cooperation.

“High quality of Uzbek cotton, which enjoys high demand on the world market, is a striking result of ongoing economic reforms in Uzbekistan,” said editor in chief of the International Agency “Cotton Outlook” Ray Butler. - “Journal “Cotton Outlook” monitors cotton fiber produced in different countries of the world. The results of this monitoring can be noted that there is a constantly increase in quality of Uzbek cotton and the level of demand for it. A vivid example is the fact that the V International Uzbek Cotton Fair includes all the major representatives of the world cotton market.”

Participants of the International Uzbek Cotton Fair in Uzexpocentre were acquainted with various samples of cotton fiber. This created the possibility of assessing the quality of cotton and contracting the purchase the selected types. However, participants of the fair can take part in trading of Commodity Exchange of Uzbekistan, to buy cotton.

The first day of the fair was full of negotiations.

“In the world each year there is an increasing demand for cotton,” said the executive director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee, Terry Townsend. “That, in turn, requires a further increase in cotton production. This fair, conducted since 2005, is important in the cotton industry, in connection with more than expanding the ranks of its participants. This prestigious forum provides opportunities for businessmen dealing with cotton, and is remarkable by the fact that there is a possibility of direct contact between buyer and seller."

The current fair is yet another clear confirmation of a growing prestige of our country in the international arena, expanding the ranks of partners, to improve the quality and competitiveness of Uzbek cotton.

At the opening of the fair Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Rustam Azimov made a speech.