Uzbekistan’s leather industry is making significant strides on the global stage as local enterprises signed multiple agreements during the recent Lineapelle exhibition held in Milan.
The event, which is one of the most important showcases for the leather sector, saw a delegation from Uzbekistan present an impressive array of footwear and leather goods.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country’s export capabilities and solidify its position in the international market.
At the exhibition, representatives from Uzbekistan engaged in fruitful negotiations with various international companies.
The discussions primarily focused on opportunities for exporting both raw materials and finished products, highlighting the country’s diverse offerings in the leather industry.
One of the standout participants was the Peng Sheng factory located in the Syrdarya region. This factory showcased innovative shoe samples to potential suppliers from countries including Portugal, Turkey, India, and Indonesia.
Notably, a representative from the Chinese distributor Tommy Hilfiger expressed strong interest in acquiring products made from non-toxic materials, indicating a growing demand for sustainable options in the market.
In another significant development, Hamkor Nur Savdo, a prominent leather producer, successfully negotiated sales agreements for both wet blue and dried crust materials with the Portuguese company Azpiel and the Spanish company Incusa.
Furthermore, the company sealed an export contract valued at $2 million with an Italian firm, underscoring the increasing trust in Uzbek leather products.
Another notable agreement was reached by Ulkan Laziz, which entered discussions to supply special footwear to the Tisza Cipo Group in Hungary.
This partnership is set to culminate in a contract worth $2.5 million during an upcoming visit to Hungary.
In addition to fostering trade agreements, the Uzbek delegation also explored avenues for technical support in collaboration with the National Association of Footwear and Leather Goods Manufacturers of Italy (Assomac).
Plans are underway to establish a service center in Uzbekistan, aimed at bolstering the local leather industry’s capabilities and competitiveness.
Assomac will play a pivotal role as a technical partner in developing the leather industrial zone located in the Akhangaran district of the Tashkent region.
The organization will provide essential consultations on cluster development and effective project placement, which are critical for the sustainable growth of the leather sector in Uzbekistan.
Moreover, Akbar Sultanov, the acting head of Uzcharmsanoat, discussed the potential supply of chemicals necessary for leather production with leaders from the Iranian Leather Industry Association.
Iran has expressed interest in purchasing processed sheep skins from Uzbekistan, which could further strengthen bilateral trade relations.
The recent agreements and collaborations established at the Lineapelle exhibition underscore Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding its leather industry on an international scale. By forging partnerships with established companies and exploring sustainable production practices, Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a significant player in the global leather market.
