Turning the tide: Textile and clothing companies in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan adopt a forward-looking approach to beat the repercussions of COVID-19.

• Author: Rafique, Waqas
• Position: ITC IN ACTION

Saparbek Asanov is the President of the Association of Light Industry Enterprises of Kyrgyzstan, Legprom. According to him, textile and clothing companies in Kyrgyzstan have suffered a severe blow from the coronavirus. Out of 1000 factories in the capital Bishkek, only around 17 have managed to continue operations.

These factories have shifted their production towards meeting new consumer demands. One such factory is Aktis, a women's garment manufacturing company, located in the suburban area of Bishkek.

During a critical shortage of masks and other protective equipment, Aktis completed an order of 2,500 facemasks and 350 personal protective garments for the civil volunteer movement, Narodnyi Shtab, which helps frontline workers fighting the coronavirus. Hundreds of more sets are in production.

The companies are not only determined to deliver high quality products but also to ensure the safety of their employees. All employees have received new uniforms including protective gloves and masks. Workshops are regularly disinfected.

A sense of duty towards those in need rather than economic interest drove these workers to leave their homes during the difficult times of the national lockdown.

As part of the recovery plan, the Legprom Association, in close contact with garment manufacturers, is devising a post-COVID-19 strategy to support the textile and clothing sector in Kyrgyzstan.

New opportunities in Tajikistan

As a popular Tajik proverb says, when one door closes another opens. The pandemic opened up new opportunities for textile and clothing companies in the country. Products such as protective facemasks, medical uniforms, bed linen, hospital clothes, cotton bandages and other medical and sanitary products are in great demand these...