A major milestone in global textile collaboration was reached as the Agency for the Development of Light Industry under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen compliance, sustainability, and ethical standards in Uzbekistan’s textile sector.
The agreement, signed by Nozim Kholmurodov, Director of the Agency, and Avedis Seferian, WRAP President and CEO, lays the foundation for a multi-faceted partnership aimed at aligning Uzbekistan’s light industry with international best practices.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building a future where responsible production is not just a goal—but a standard.” Avedis Seferian, President and CEO of WRAP
Key Areas of Cooperation
1. Expanding WRAP Certification Across Uzbekistan
The Parties will jointly implement a two-year roadmap to certify at least 100 Uzbek textile and apparel enterprises under WRAP’s globally recognized compliance program. The Agency will identify candidate factories and coordinate national efforts, while WRAP will provide technical guidance and training to ensure successful certification.
2. Training and Capacity Building
To support long-term compliance, WRAP will conduct workshops and training sessions for factory managers, compliance officers, and Agency staff. These programs will cover labor rights, workplace safety, environmental management, and WRAP’s 12 নীতি. A “Compliance Excellence Program” will also be developed to help enterprises build internal auditing systems.
3. Establishing a WRAP Country Office in Uzbekistan
WRAP will explore opening a representative office in Uzbekistan to provide ongoing support and advisory services. This office will serve as a national hub for responsible production, helping local stakeholders navigate certification and compliance processes.
4. Promoting ESG and Sustainable Development
The partnership will promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and support the development of national sustainability guidelines aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. WRAP will also help attract global organizations like Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) to train and certify local compliance auditors.
5. Knowledge Sharing and Technical Support
Both parties will exchange best practices, non-confidential data, and expert insights to improve labor and environmental standards. WRAP will advise national institutions on enhancing governance and transparency in the textile sector.
A Shared Vision for Ethical Growth
This collaboration marks a significant step forward for Uzbekistan’s textile industry, which is rapidly emerging as a global sourcing destination. By embracing WRAP’s compliance framework and investing in workforce development, Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a leader in ethical manufacturing.
