Kyrgyzstan plans to create a full cycle of industrial production to develop its textile industry especially sewing. Kyrgyzstan’s sewing industry consists of small and medium-sized enterprises and provides about 1,60,000 jobs. The sewing industry is improving the skills of workers and upgrading production facilities and equipment.

The industry is now planning to enter new markets like Germany and Belarus. Kyrgyzstan is now creating a value chain in the apparel industry. All production stages will be merged into a single scheme, starting from farmers who grow cotton to sewing shops.

Garments make up seven per cent of the country’s total exports. Since 2013, there has been a decline in garment industry due to the global financial crisis, and falling orders due to lower purchasing power in Kyrgyzstan’s main export markets — Russia and Kazakhstan. More than 80 per cent of the garment products in Kyrgyzstan are produced by individual entrepreneurs who work under patents and do not report to the National Statistical Committee.

The just concluded 9th International Trade Fair in Bishkek dedicated to products and equipment in the fashion was aimed at strengthen business contacts and expanding cooperation between companies working in the garment and textile industries. More than 50 sewing, textile and handicraft enterprises, as well as representatives of companies from Uzbekistan, China, Russia, Turkey and India, took part.