BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 11. Uzbekistan and the
Better Cotton organization have discussed expanding cooperation on
sustainable cotton production, strengthening international
standards, and enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s
cotton-textile industry.
This was reflected in a statement by the Senate of Oliy
Majlis.
The meeting was held between Chairperson of the Senate of
Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva and Better Cotton Chief
Executive Officer Nick Weatherill.
During the talks, the two sides reviewed progress and future
prospects for cooperation in promoting environmentally and socially
responsible cotton production in Uzbekistan. Discussions also
focused on improving compliance with global sustainability
standards and expanding the country’s integration into
international textile value chains.
Weatherill praised the reforms being implemented under President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, noting that Uzbekistan has undertaken
significant efforts to modernize its cotton and textile sector,
expand export potential, and promote sustainable development
principles.
He also highlighted the favorable business environment in
Uzbekistan, including state support measures for enterprises,
incentives for adopting international certification standards, and
tax and customs preferences that are helping to expand the Better
Cotton program in the country.
Particular attention was given to the opening of a Better Cotton
office in Uzbekistan, which became the organization’s third country
office after India and Pakistan. This reflects Uzbekistan’s growing
role in global cotton supply chains and its strong potential in
sustainable agriculture.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the sides reached an agreement
on future joint initiatives, including projects involving contract
farmers and expanded engagement with international brands through
study visits to cotton and textile enterprises across
Uzbekistan.
