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Textile industry – one of the most important sectors of the national economy
Economy
Textile industry – one of the most important sectors of the national economy
Published 24.07.2025
129

In the modern era, the domestic textile sector has become a vivid example of the rapid development of an innovative economy, taking into account national priorities and general integration trends in the global economic space.

The tasks set by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the leading sectors of the national economy to increase the production volume of a wide range of import-substituting goods and to strengthen the country's export potential are being successfully addressed by textile enterprises in the International Year of Peace and Trust, marked by the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan gaining its unique legal status of permanent neutrality.

Positive dynamics, quantitative and qualitative changes in the industry over several years testify that the textile industry is a significant and promising sector of domestic light industry.

As a result of the policy of fundamental reforms initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag, and now successfully implemented under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the material and technical base of the textile industry is constantly being modernized, new economically efficient productions are being built, scientific, technical, and personnel potential is being strengthened, management and marketing are being improved, and advanced methods are being introduced into the production process. All this contributes to increasing the competitiveness of Turkmen textiles in domestic and foreign markets and explains the recognition of domestic specialized enterprises abroad as producers of high-quality products.

Large financial investments are directed to all segments of the textile industry – spinning, weaving, knitwear, and sewing production. A vivid example is the technical re-equipment of several textile complexes. The introduction of new production technologies, automated flow lines, modern equipment from leading companies of Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, and other countries ensure growth in production volumes, good product quality, and high labor productivity at the industry enterprises.

Special attention, as emphasized by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, should be paid to ensuring that the products meet international standards of quality and environmental safety. The products of industry enterprises are certified with ISO 9001 "Production and Quality Control Management System," ISO 14001 "Environmental Management Systems," OHSAS 18001 "Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series," among others.

An important factor for balanced development of all structural units of the complex is the implementation of state programs on import substitution and increasing the volume of export-oriented products. In recent years, a number of modern specialized enterprises equipped with advanced technological equipment have been built. Existing large textile complexes, cotton-spinning and sewing factories, cocoon processing enterprises, shoe factories, and other productions release high-quality products made from environmentally friendly raw materials, making a worthy contribution to further increasing the country's export potential.

A rational approach in this matter, the production of a wide range of local goods of high quality and affordable prices, have significantly reduced imports. Turkmen designers, studying the demands of the domestic market and focusing on the seasonal needs of the population, develop and launch new lines of clothing following fashionable global trends and other goods.

As a result of large government investments in the industry, its infrastructure is systematically expanding. In particular, the Babadayhan and Kaka textile complexes, equipped with modern equipment, have established the production of high-quality products that compete well with goods produced abroad.

Currently, high-quality, environmentally clean textile products under the trademarks "Gala," "Ýeňiş," "Goza," "Wada," "Nusaý," "Bedew," "Bürgüt," "Akpamyk," "Merw," "Jeýtun," and "Mäne" enjoy increased demand in domestic and foreign markets.

A wide range of seasonal products is released under the brands "Mäne" and "Jeýtun."

The "Ruhabat" textile complex offers various types of dyed and undyed cotton fabrics and other products. The enterprise also specializes in cotton processing and the production of several types of cotton yarn necessary for domestic and foreign specialized industries.

Today, Turkmenistan’s textile industry is represented by a rich export assortment – from cotton fiber and yarn to finished sewn and knitwear products made by the largest complexes in Central Asia, located in the capital and all regions of the country. It should be noted that the domestic light industry traditionally focuses on natural materials, which is an attractive factor for many international brands placing orders worldwide. Thus, a significant part of the products supplied abroad consists of finished goods, including home textiles, sportswear, and denim clothing, produced under globally well-known trademarks such as "Puma," "Wal-Mart," "Lidl," "Bershka," "Pull&Bear," "Cosco," and others.

At the same time, as part of supporting the high-tech segment of the industry, the development strategy includes forming a cluster specializing in the use of synthetic fibers, which expands enterprises' access to raw materials. For example, textile complexes produce blended yarn from cotton fiber and polyester, including shirting, staple, artificial silk, gabardine with added lycra for sewing various outerwear, trousers fabrics, etc.

The demand for non-natural fibers stimulates innovation development in the textile industry and drives the growth of sewing production. At the same time, materials with special properties increasingly take center stage, particularly those used for making sportswear, uniforms, and workwear for employees in various sectors – oil and gas complexes, construction, transport, utilities, and healthcare.

Such fabrics have special requirements: "smart" thermoregulation – warming in cold weather, cooling in heat, external water resistance, resistance to high temperatures, lightness, strength, and the ability to repel dirt.

In addition, the production of knitwear made from woolen, semi-woolen, and cotton yarn is actively developing. Knitwear workshops produce sweaters, vests, suits, national women’s don, and other knitted products. Hosiery products, in high demand and comparable in quality to foreign examples, are also produced.

Regarding the prospects for the development of the textile industry, it should be noted that according to the "Program for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments in 2025," approved in February of this year, the expected investment volume for the Ministry of Textile Industry will be 200 million manats, which will be directed toward construction for production purposes.

For example, a textile complex for the production of cotton yarn, cotton and terry fabrics, as well as finished sewn products, will be built in the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi etrap of Dashoguz velayat. The commissioning of this facility will enable the production and export of high-quality, environmentally clean, import-substituting textile products and provide new jobs.

The creation of new enterprises of various ownership forms is intended to promote increased employment, higher tax revenues for the state budget, and thus will serve as a significant factor in improving the social welfare of citizens.

In this context, among the activities planned by the Ministry of Textile Industry for the near future is the privatization of unprofitable enterprises under its jurisdiction that require reconstruction and modernization.

As part of the digitalization process of the domestic economy, relevant work is also successfully underway in the textile industry. This is clearly demonstrated by the launch of the online store "Dokma." Through the online platform developed by the Ministry of Textile Industry, customers can order hundreds of types of textile and leather footwear products—from enterprises within the ministry’s system as well as from private producers.

Members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan are strengthening their positions in the textile sector and other economic sectors. They actively participate in creating new production complexes based not only on natural raw materials but also on applying innovative technologies and global experience. With the introduction and effective use of advanced European technologies, opportunities open for further development of the national art of carpet weaving through modern industrial methods, expansion of production volumes, and reduction of product cost.

It should be noted that silk raw material made from cocoons is an important direction of Turkmen exports. Offers to supply high-quality silk fiber as well as technical textiles used in medicine, aviation, and other industries come from relevant companies.

Clearly, products from silk-processing enterprises are in demand not only in domestic textile sectors—such as weaving and sewing—but also enjoy high demand in other fields.

In recent years, the production of handmade silk carpets and decorative-applied art products, including national embroidery, has rapidly developed in private enterprises. This has led to greatly increased interest in purchasing multicolored silk yarns and threads.

Currently, enterprises of the State Association “Türkmenhaly” produce woolen and silk products, restoring unique samples of the rich spiritual heritage of the Turkmen people.

Leading enterprises in shoe manufacturing and primary leather processing include the economic association “Muhammet-Balkan” and the private enterprise “Röwşen.” Besides natural leather shoes, following fashion trends, they produce various accessories. A certain role is played by the Gokdepe Leather Factory, producing natural leather products. The Ministry of Textile Industry also manages the "Altyn Asyr" trade center and more than a dozen specialized stores.

International exhibitions held in our country demonstrate the successes of the Turkmen textile industry, including its "silk" and leather segments, whose products meet global standards.

A large-scale showcase was the International Exhibition-Fair "Turkmentextile Expo–2025," held in Ashgabat from June 11 to 13 of this year. Each event is prepared in the context of tasks set by the head of state, considering the needs of foreign markets and priority directions of national and global economic development. Such forums are organized to constantly respond to changing market conditions of textile products and timely react to innovations, influencing the further development of this export-oriented sector.

As is known, each year Turkmenistan harvests rich raw cotton crops and has identified the priority task of maximizing the use of the vast resource potential and industry capabilities for producing competitive products. The favorable soil and climate conditions of the country support industrial production of medium- and fine-fiber cotton, which is in great demand on the world market. The Decree signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to increase state procurement prices for cotton significantly strengthened the raw material base of the industry, boosted volumes, and expanded the product range.

These successes were demonstrated at the "Turkmentextile Expo–2025," which served as a kind of showcase for the national textile industry supplying many countries worldwide. Foreign participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with industry trends and receive necessary information.

Specialist meetings from various countries took place during the exhibition, giving foreign companies and businessmen access to the dynamically developing Turkmen market, recognized as a major textile development center interested in new technological developments and advanced equipment in the field.

Alongside the intensive development of textile production, the country is also forming its own fashion industry. In the Turkmen capital, fashion shows of haute couture are regularly held, and the national school of modeling and design is successfully developing with a focus on creative interpretations of national artistic and decorative traditions. This clearly demonstrates that Ashgabat, included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the “Design” category, is strengthening its position as a regional center of culture, art, and beauty.

At the event, a festive show featured new collections by world-famous designers from Italy, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Singapore, India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The exhibition-fair opened broad opportunities for experience exchange with foreign fashion representatives and acquainted them with Turkmen achievements.

One of the most beloved materials of domestic clothing designers is keteni—a silk fabric made by a special technology. Turkmen designers create magnificent collections that genuinely impress audiences everywhere they present their work, whether in Ashgabat or other cities. Turkmen women's attire skillfully combines ancient national costume traditions with modern silhouettes. Hand embroidery and decorations are an undeniable adornment of the dresses.

In conclusion, Turkmenistan today is open to the world, advanced technologies, and new economic relations, ready to share its accumulated experience and capabilities. This contributes to the successful modernization of the domestic textile industry, its integration into the global industry, and the implementation of foreign economic tasks set by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to workers in this vital sector of the national economy.

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