- 28.06.2024
Uzbekistan demonstrates success in reforming the cotton industry at the Better Cotton Conference 2024
Today during 2nd day of Better Cotton Conference 2024, the plenary session «Creating an Enabling Environment in Uzbekistan: A Case Study» was held.
During this plenary session, the Chairman of Confederation of Employers of Uzbekistan Mr. Ilkhom Khaydarov stated «The complete reorganization of cotton production in Uzbekistan was essential to get where we are today, where the systemic forced labour IS ABOLISHED and the sector itself is highly modernised. This transformation moved the industry away from problematic labour practices and established better employment and business relations with cotton-producing communities, contributing to their livelihoods and ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared. With the new policies in the West requiring large businesses to do due diligence in their supply chains, we are keen to position ourselves as the source of fully traceable ethically and sustainably produced cotton, verified by multiple international standards, including Better Cotton … ».
A case study of Uzbekistan explored the significant progress which was made already and the role of government and civil society in advancing progress around the context of Decent Work.