Dushanbe, 23 September 2026
The Second International Textile Forum was held in Dushanbe on the sidelines of the 4th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Industry, organized by the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan, with the support of the Government of Tajikistan and the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF). An ECO Delegation headed by Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan participated in the Forum.
The Forum was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Usmonali Usmonzoda, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan. H.E. Mr. Sherali Kabir, Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, Dr. Asad M. Khan ECO Secretary General, Mr. Mustafa Denizer Vice Chairman of ITMF, and the high-level representatives of participating countries delivered statements.
In his opening statement, Dr. Asad M. Khan acknowledged the vision and leadership of Honorable President Emomali Rahmon in advancing Tajikistan’s industrialization agenda under the country’s 2026–2030 development framework. He noted that Tajikistan’s focus on accelerated industrialization, diversification and productive capacity has provided important momentum for advancing the ECO industrial cooperation agenda.
Dr. Khan emphasized that government dialogue alone is not enough and that regional cooperation must be better connected with companies, investors, technology providers and financial institutions that can turn policies and priorities into concrete projects. He highlighted the Textile Forum as a valuable platform for building such connections, noting the potential to link cotton and other raw materials with spinning, weaving, processing, garment production, technology, investment and international markets.
Bringing together representatives from more than 40 countries, the Forum provided a strategic platform covering the entire textile value chain. B2B meetings on the margins offered opportunities to explore trade, investment, technology partnerships and joint ventures.
The Forum also highlighted Tajikistan’s priorities in cotton, processing and textiles, presenting investors with a pipeline of projects, investment opportunities and access to decision-makers and technology providers. Three thematic panels focused on Digitalization, Automation and AI; Green Value Chains, Sustainable Cotton and Workforce Training; and Investments in Modernization, Green Financing and Export Support Mechanisms.
