Samarkand, September 11, 2024 – The ITMF Annual gathering and the IAF World Fashion Convention, two of the largest textile associations in the world, had their first joint gathering in Samarkand on September 8–10, 2024, making it the most significant event of the year for the global textile industry. For the first time in the 120-year history of ITMF, a location was chosen in Central Asia.
The event drew approximately 500 participants from throughout the globe, including prominent members of the European and Asian business communities. The conference focused on Uzbekistan’s return to the global textile market following the Cotton Campaign boycott’s conclusion in 2022.
The official business program, which was held from September 8–10, included 25 business events in all, including closed meetings. An extensive range of subjects were covered by the participants in their discussions, such as the function of artificial fabrics and fibers, supply chain optimization, supply chain value creation, artificial intelligence’s impact, production digitization, international legislation, sustainable development, and recycling.
To debate Uzbekistan’s textile industry’s future, a special meeting was called. Thanks to extensive reforms that included the abolition of the state’s monopoly on cotton farming, the creation of cotton clusters, the outlawing of forced and child labor, and other measures, the government successfully ended the long-standing boycott of Uzbek cotton. Currently, Uzbekistan is a member of international organizations like Better Cotton.
“We greatly appreciate and back any initiatives from our international partners that will benefit both parties. We are especially prepared to offer our full support in putting in place the prerequisites so that foreign companies can do business in Uzbekistan. Additionally, given our nation’s high tourism and industrial potential, we are ready to set up the right environment for esteemed foreign organizations to regularly Especially in places like Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Margilan, Kokand, Namangan, and Andijan, organize conferences, exhibits, and fashion displays here.”
“Our trip to Samarkand is about more than just taking in the breathtaking Silk Road City.” We are also here to learn a great deal about the incredible progress that Uzbekistan has accomplished since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s reform program was started, which began eight years ago.
Before the harvest season began, conference delegates had the chance to tour cotton clusters in Samarkand and learn about Uzbekistan’s diverse textile industries. The ITMF Awards and ITMF Start-up Award winners and ceremonies, which honored the most notable accomplishments and developments in the sector for 2024, marked the event’s culmination.”To hold this major forum, Uzbekistan faced competition from Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and the United States.
