DUSHANBE, November 30, 2014, Asia-Plus – The International Trade Center (ITC) mission to assess Tajik textile companies was concluded November 28, 2014 with a workshop for the representatives of Tajik textile and clothing sector conducted in Dushanbe.

According to ITC Tajikistan, the mission was organized under the project on Strengthening Export Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Textile and Clothing Sector and Enhancing Trade Support Institutional Capacities in Tajikistan.  This project is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO).

During a mission that lasted from November 19 to November 28, ITC International Consultant on Textiles and Senior Advisor, Rajesh Bheda Consulting, India, Mr. Munish Tyagi, reportedly visited more than 10 Tajik textile companies in Dushanbe as well as Khatlon and Sughd provinces.  The mission aimed to assess the spinning, weaving, dyeing and knitting operations of the Tajik companies.  Mr. Tyagi shared his findings and provided preliminary recommendations and best practices to be adopted by Tajik companies during two half-day workshops held in Khujand on November 25 and Dushanbe on November 28.  The workshops were designed to assist the Tajik companies to improve operations and address some challenges they face.

During the visits to the companies, Mr. Tyagi, as well as, provided advices on technology options on need basis. He is expected to provide more detailed and wider recommendations on next steps to be taken by Tajik textile enterprises to improve the products and enter new markets.

The present project is component FOUR of the Trade Cooperation Program (TCP) in Tajikistan and aims to increase the export competitiveness of the textile and clothing (T&C) sector, by providing sector specific support to SMEs and relevant trade support institutions (TSIs), as well as supporting respective stakeholders in taking a strategic approach to the sector’s development.  It will also explore the challenges and development potential of the tourism and handicraft sectors in Tajikistan, outlining relevant trade related technical assistance priorities.

Within its Cooperation Strategy for 2012-2015, Switzerland focuses on four sectors in Tajikistan; Health, Rule of Law, Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation, and Private Sector Development.  The overall goal of Swiss Cooperation in Tajikistan is to support the transition process in the country through contributing to economic development and by helping build institutions and systems which are responsive to the population’s needs.