Uzbekistan is now ready to take its
textile manufacturing capabilities to the next stage, by investing in
latest-technology for downstream processes of fabric manufacture, finishing and
making-up. The appetite for progress in these segments was demonstrated at a
recent two-day symposium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from March 14 to 15 this year, staged by the Swiss Textile
Machinery Association (Swissmem), showcasing the technology and know-how of 14
leading textile machinery manufacturers from Switzerland.
The event was opened by the Swiss
Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Olivier Chave, and Bakhodir Alikhanov, the First
Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Textile and Garment Association. Hundreds of delegates from the Uzbek textile and clothing sector, as well
as a large contingent of students from the textile faculty of Tashkent
University attended the symposium.
The member companies of Swissmem
taking part in the symposium were: Amsler Tex, Benninger, ITEMA, Jakob Müller,
Loepfe Brothers, Luwa, Maag Brothers, Rieter, Rieter Components (Bräcker, Graf,
SSM), Saurer, Stäubli Sargans and Steiger.
Ernesto Maurer, President of the
Swiss Textile Machinery Association said it was clear that recent
actions by the Uzbekistan government signalled its intent to foster advances in
both the technology level and the extended range of textile-producing activities
by its textile manufacturers.
“The fact that the Uzbek currency is
now convertible for international exchange is the foundation for a significant
increase in foreign trade,” he added. “And the presence at the symposium
of many important representatives of the Uzbekistan textile industry is proof
that there is great enthusiasm to take advantage of the new opportunities,
especially in the development of business in the value-added areas of textile
production, downstream from the established raw cotton and yarn sectors.”
According to Cornelia
Buchwalder, Secretary General of Swissmem, the machinery manufacturers
presenting their technology at the event were gratified at the level of
interest shown: “As well as the industrialists, it was especially pleasing to
welcome many textile students to learn about the Swiss companies and their
products,” she said. “After all, we are planning to create new partnerships and
project for the future, and these are the people who will be involved in this
process in the years to come.”
Further positive reactions came from
the individual Swiss company representatives. Boyd Higgins, Uzbekistan Sales
Manager for Jakob Müller AG Frick, said the organisation of this event helped
to create the right impression among attendees.