Central Asia’s rapidly expanding textile market is preparing for another major industry gathering as Heimtextil Uzbekistan, Texworld Tashkent and Apparel Sourcing Tashkent return to Tashkent from 12–14 October 2026.
The three exhibitions will be held at the NEC Uzexpocentre, Tashkent, organised by Business Media Central Asia (BMCA) with the support of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.
The events are expected to bring together manufacturers, international buyers, sourcing professionals and industry leaders, creating a comprehensive platform covering the textile value chain from yarn and fabrics to finished garments, accessories and home textiles.
Uzbekistan’s Textile Industry Continues to Expand
The 2025 edition attracted 219 exhibitors from six countries and 3,982 trade visitors from 42 countries, occupying approximately 8,000 sqm of exhibition space.
Building on this momentum, the 2026 edition is expected to feature increased international participation, more buyers and a broader range of textile and apparel products.
Exhibitors are expected from Uzbekistan, India, China, Türkiye, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and other markets, bringing sourcing opportunities from across Europe and Asia together in one location.
The growth of Uzbekistan’s domestic textile manufacturing base is further strengthening the importance of the event. As of February 2026, the country had 6,073 registered garment-manufacturing enterprises, as part of a wider network of more than 12,000 textile enterprises nationwide.
Despite being one of the world’s major cotton-producing countries, Uzbekistan continues to rely on imported fabrics and textile materials to meet domestic demand. Up to 100,000 tonnes of mixed-composition fabrics and textiles are imported annually, creating opportunities for international suppliers and sourcing companies to establish new partnerships.
Hosted Buyer Programme Connects Exhibitors with Global Buyers
A key attraction for exhibitors will be the International Hosted Buyer Programme, which is designed to connect qualified procurement professionals, retail chains, distributors and sourcing decision-makers directly with exhibitors.
The programme provides selected buyers with accommodation and transfer support, while targeted B2B meetings are organised to facilitate meaningful business discussions.
In 2025, the programme attracted buyers and retail representatives from more than 15 countries and regions, including the UK, USA, Germany, France, Portugal, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, Türkiye, Pakistan, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
For 2026, the programme will target wholesale buyers, sourcing agents representing European fashion brands, trading houses, retail chains and distributors from Europe, the CIS, the Middle East and Asia.
Uzbekistan Emerges as a Strategic Textile Market
Uzbekistan’s textile sector has recorded significant export growth, with textile exports increasing from approximately USD 6 million in 2017 to USD 3 billion in 2024. The government has set a target of reaching USD 7 billion in textile exports by 2028.
The country’s textile industry is currently valued at approximately USD 8.2 billion and is growing at an estimated 5–6% annually. Planned foreign investment of around USD 2.2 billion in 2026 is expected to further support the sector’s development.
The market is also benefiting from policy measures aimed at strengthening textile manufacturing and exports. Import duties on mixed-composition fabrics are being waived through 2028, while additional production capacity is being developed.
Plans for 2026 include approximately 397 million square metres of additional fabric production capacity and 224 million additional garment units.
For international brands and sourcing companies, the market presents opportunities to establish relationships with manufacturers while Uzbekistan continues to develop its position as a competitive textile sourcing destination.
The country’s strategic location between Europe and Asia also provides access to CIS and Central Asian markets, while supporting export connections to Europe.
SME Pavilion Supports Local Manufacturers
The SME Pavilion will return in 2026, providing small and medium-sized manufacturers from different regions of Uzbekistan with direct access to international buyers.
Companies specialising in home textiles, knitwear, apparel and accessories will have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities under the “Made in Uzbekistan” banner and explore new export and sourcing relationships.
Conference Programme to Address Industry Challenges
Alongside the exhibition floor, the 2026 conference programme will focus on major developments influencing the textile and apparel sector.
Key topics will include:
- Sustainable production and OEKO-TEX certification
- Digital transformation in the textile industry
- New export markets for Uzbek textiles
- Central Asia as an emerging textile industry hub
- Brand diversification and textile marketing
- Women in the textile business: challenges and opportunities
The programme is expected to provide industry professionals with insights into sustainability, digitalisation, market expansion and the future development of Uzbekistan’s textile sector.
Industry Leaders to Join Official Opening
The official opening ceremony will bring together representatives from government institutions, industry associations and international organisations.
Participants are expected to include representatives from the Agency for the Development of Light Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uztekstilprom Association, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH and other key industry stakeholders.
Tashkent Events Set to Strengthen International Textile Connections
With its combination of international exhibitors, hosted buyers, SME participation, business meetings and industry discussions, Heimtextil Uzbekistan, Texworld Tashkent and Apparel Sourcing Tashkent 2026 are positioned to strengthen Tashkent’s role as an emerging textile sourcing and manufacturing hub in Central Asia.
The exhibitions will take place from 12–14 October 2026 at the NEC Uzexpocentre in Tashkent.