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Uzbekistan in talks to import cotton from the U.S.

Uzbekistan is holding talks with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Cotton Council to establish the import of American cotton under the GSM-102 program. This program allows importers to purchase U.S. agricultural products using loans guaranteed by the U.S. government.

Photo: KUN.UZ

A delegation from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade visited the United States from 23 to 29 July. As part of the visit, 25 domestic textile companies participated in three major international exhibitions in New York: Texworld NYC, Apparel Sourcing USA, and Home Textiles Sourcing Expo, according to the ministry’s press service.

During the exhibitions, negotiations were held with leading global companies such as Bunzl plc, Levi Strauss & Co., PVH Corp., G-III Apparel Group, Kontoor Brands, American Eagle Outfitters, Tapestry Inc., Macy’s, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), Oritain, and others.

The discussions focused on enabling Uzbek manufacturers to enter the U.S. market and on placing orders through the sourcing mechanism.

Representatives of the ministry also held a meeting with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The parties discussed ways to expand trade and economic cooperation, reduce trade barriers, and activate investment through the development of new mechanisms.

The delegation also explored opportunities to place Uzbek products – including textiles, construction materials, electrical equipment, and agricultural goods – in major retail chains such as Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Bloomingdale’s, and The Home Depot.

In negotiations with representatives of the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), an agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce, an agreement was reached to organize webinars and seminars for Uzbek companies on certification and packaging in line with U.S. standards.

During talks with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Cotton Council, the sides discussed supplying U.S. cotton to Uzbekistan under the GSM-102 program, increasing the credit limit, and launching the “Made from U.S. Cotton” initiative.

For reference, the GSM-102 program enables importing countries to purchase U.S. agricultural products using credit facilities guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In May, Uzsanoatqurilishbank reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had selected the bank as the first participant in Uzbekistan under this program. The two sides have established cooperation to provide guarantees for trade finance credit lines.

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