The resolution approved programme on modernization of leather-shoe industry, which envisages works for US$49.88 million in 2009-2012.

The programme stipulates technical re-equipment of 20 enterprises of leather industry for US$28.68 million and reconstruction of 19 firms of the industry for US$17.6 million. It is also planned to direct US$2.8 million to expand production of industry’s enterprises.

The programme envisages to increase production of leather by 3.9 times to 310.7 million square decimeters and footwear production by 7.8 times to 9.52 million pairs a year.

The programme will be carried out due to foreign direct investments, credits of commercial banks and own resources of the enterprises.

The resolution also abolished customs duties to import 72 types of raw materials, goods and materials, which are not produced in Uzbekistan, but used in production of leather and footwear products.

Uzbekcharmpoyabzali Association unites leather-shoe industry enterprises, which unites 13 enterprises of footwear industry and 18 enterprises of leather industry. The industry produced 1.2 million pairs of footwear a year, while demand of the market is 40 million pairs a year.