The International Textile Forum – Tajikistan 2026 took place in Dushanbe on 23 September 2026. The event served as a platform for dialogue and investment aimed at building a complete textile production chain in the Republic of Tajikistan, from cotton fibre to finished products.
The Forum was organised on the initiative of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan with the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, in cooperation with the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
- Framework: National Strategy for the Development of Cotton Production and Processing and the Textile Industry for 2024–2040.
- Participation: about 300 representatives of industrial companies, investors, entrepreneurs, experts and development partners from more than 20 countries.
The main goal of the Forum was to strengthen international cooperation and attract investment into the development of Tajikistan’s textile industry, including building a full value chain from cotton fibre processing to the production of finished goods. Tajikistan has competitive advantages for developing complete “green” textile production: more than 98% of the electricity generated in the country comes from renewable hydropower. This allows enterprises to position themselves as low-impact producers and to meet the requirements of international partners and global brands.
The National Strategy envisages the creation of modern full-cycle textile clusters, deeper processing of domestic raw materials and growth of exports of finished textile products to USD 3 billion by 2040.
Opening ceremony
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Usmonali Usmonzoda addressed the participants and presented the goals of the event: expanding and strengthening the full processing of cotton fibre within the country and the investment opportunities in the sector.
Ministerial panel session
The ministerial panel session followed, with remarks by heads of delegations and other official representatives of countries and international organisations:
- Mr. Sherali Kabir — Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan
- Dr. Asad Majeed Khan — Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
- Mr. Mustafa Denizer — Vice-President of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
- Mr. Rizo Ansori — Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Industrial Affairs
- Mr. Olzhas Saparbekov — Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Mr. Iskender Asylkulov — Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic
- Mr. Ruhullo Zikrillaev — Deputy Director of the Agency for the Development of Light Industry under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan
- Mr. Ilkhom Nematov — Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States
- Mr. Radoslaw Darski — Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Tajikistan
- Mr. Islam Mohammad Monirul — Ambassador of Bangladesh to Tajikistan
- Mr. Raymond Tavares — Chief of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Job Creation Unit, UNIDO
- Ms. Tatyana Belkevich — President of the Russian Association of Fashion Industry Participants
- Mr. Amir Sheikh — Principal Consultant, Gherzi Consulting Engineers
- Ms. Zarrina Yaminzoda — Vice-Rector of the Technological University of Tajikistan
Thematic panel sessions
After the ministerial panel, the specialised panel sessions continued in line with the Forum programme. They covered three key topics:
- “Digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence in the textile industry”;
- “Green value chain: sustainable cotton and workforce training”;
- “Investing in modernisation: green finance and export support mechanisms”.
Nearly 80% of the speakers in these sessions were international experts, which enabled a rich exchange of experience and ideas among the participants.
Outcome
The International Textile Forum – Tajikistan 2026 contributed to expanding Tajikistan’s cooperation with international partners, showcasing investment opportunities in the textile sector and attracting investment into modern industrial production. The event presented Tajikistan as a promising location for “green” textile production — from cotton to brand — in the heart of Central Asia.