Uzbekistan wants to collaborate with Indian textile companies.A formal agreement on collaboration in the area of cotton and textiles is likely.

Uzbekistan is one of the world’s largest cotton exporters. The country grows long-staple quality of cotton - equivalent to Egyptian cotton that matches the requirements of luxury garment brands. It is taking steps to increase the volume of cotton fiber processing.

The country is land-locked and far from a port thereby making it difficult for bulk goods industries to trade. However the Central Asian country offers investment opportunities. Incentives are being offered to industry in the form of tax holidays, free land for joint ventures with Uzbek counterparts and a cheap and skilled workforce. Uzbekistan has a 100 per cent convertible currency. Banks are supportive and quick to respond to the needs of trade and industry. The biggest advantage is the access to a huge market of the former USSR or CIS countries, with whom Uzbekistan has a duty-free trade agreement.