The textile industry in Turkmenistan primarily revolves around cotton production. Among the more than 70 textile enterprises in the country, 32 are dedicated to cotton spinning and weaving, with an additional 17 garment factories, seven silk enterprises, and a handful of wool processing and knitting companies. In 2013, Turkmenistan harvested approximately 1.05 million tonnes of raw cotton, solidifying cotton as a dominant force in the textile sector. To further strengthen the sector's international presence, the Turkmenistan government initiated the establishment of three additional cotton-spinning factories in Seydi, Kunya-Urgench, and Turkmenabat.
The decision to establish these factories aligns with Turkmenistan's goal of making a mark on the international stage in the textile sector. The opening of these factories has created 1,500 jobs and is projected to yield around 14,000 tonnes of cotton yarn annually. These factories were set up in succession to four other cotton spinning mills launched prior to these projects.
With substantial investments directed into textile manufacturing, Turkmenistan has witnessed a 51 percent increase in cotton fiber processing. Furthermore, during the 2013/2014 period, Turkmenistan secured a place among the world's top 10 leading cotton-producing countries, with China and India leading the ranks. Present statistics for Turkmenistan's textile sector indicate an annual production of approximately 177,000 tonnes of yarns, 186 million square meters of cotton fabrics, 11,000 tonnes of various knitted fabrics, 80 million pieces of knitwear garments, and 7,200 tonnes of terry fabrics.
Encouraged by these figures, the government has committed to investing an additional US $1 billion in the sector until 2016. These funds will be used to modernize existing technology within the textile sector and initiate projects aimed at expanding the production of refined textile products. Although Turkmenistan's textile industries export more than 70 percent of their total production to other post-Soviet countries, a notable concern for the government is the insufficient number of cotton, weaving, sewing, and knitting enterprises compared to the demand for textile products, both domestically and internationally.
Another challenge faced by Turkmenistan's textile sector is the establishment of stable and robust textile export relations with European countries. Despite significant exports to post-Soviet nations, most of Turkmenistan's textile products find their way to countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Britain, Russia, Italy, China, Turkey, and Ukraine. Turkey, in particular, has been a substantial investor in Turkmenistan, with a majority of foreign investors hailing from that country.
Renowned brands like Nautika, Sara Lee, Casual Wear, Bershka, Puma, Wal-Mart, Vespolino, J C Penney, Miss Erica and others are the major customers of finished goods. The Turkmenistan manufacturers are keen on exporting products to rest of the world and for that the textile sector is now concentrating on increasing the production of end products rather than supplying raw materials to other countries. The income earned from end products like yarns, fabrics, apparels is higher than the amount earned from export of raw materials.
Turkmenistan textiles enjoy reputation of being made from cent percent natural materials that are produced by using imported and advanced equipment. The quality of Turkmenistan textile products is of international standard that also take care of environment issues and workplace safety during manufacturing process. Despite of sincere efforts and support from the government, the textile sector of the country is little bit sluggish and thus, it struggles to fulfil the set tasks.
Following these setbacks, the country's ministry of textile industry has reworked on long-term and medium-term plans. The total expected production of cotton fabric has been set up to 350,000 tonnes through the year 2020. The textile sector of the Turkmenistan is strictly centralised, which means that from minor to major, all the decisions are taken in accordance with the ministry of textile industry.
There are a majority of companies that have a few or no rights to enter into their own contracts, to spontaneously adapt production according to individual requirements, and to calculate their own pricing system. Very few small scale textile industries are owned by private manufacturers, whereas, large scale industries work under the state. In addition to this, there is acute shortage of skilled labour. But, the government has established vocational school to overcome the dearth of skilled labourers.
It is essential for development of Turkmenistan's economy to generate employment. The textile sector in Turkmenistan has created jobs and has ushered a new era of growth. Now, the onus of the Turkmenistan textile sector's development lies on the government. The ministry of textile industry has taken several steps in favour of the textile sector's growth; however, encouraging autonomy with regard to large scale textile industries would boost this development further. The upgraded machinery, sincere efforts to increase exports and government's support have proved to be conducive for Turkmen textile in long run. Today, the country's textile sector is only a few steps away from becoming a role model for other nations.
REFERENCES:
1. Yarnsandfibers.com
2. Centralasiaonline.com
3. En.trend.az
4. Turkmenistan.gov.tm
5. Turkmenembassy.in
6. Fashionunited.co.uk
7. Statista.com
8. Textination.de
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