A meeting of the headquarters for ensuring economic growth was held at the Government under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin, where the development of the light industry sector was discussed.

The discussion was attended by chairpersons of industry associations, including the self-regulatory organization National Association of Light Industry Enterprises “Qaz Textile Industry” and the Association of Light Industry Enterprises Self-Regulatory Organization, as well as major industry companies, including AZALA Group, Qazaq Tigin Fabrikasy LLP, Kazlegprom-Almaty LLP, Global-Spetsodezhda LLP, TarazKozhObuv LLP, and others.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, over the past five years the light industry sector has demonstrated steady development. At the end of 2025, production volume increased by 13.2%, with the planned industrial production index growth set at 3%, reaching 260 billion tenge. In the structure of the manufacturing industry, the share of light industry amounts to 0.8%. It is worth noting that within the structure of the sector more than 60% is accounted for by textile production, 32% by clothing manufacturing, and 6.5% by footwear and leather products. More than 97% of enterprises are small businesses.

The development of light industry is planned through deeper processing of cotton and hides, expansion of synthetic fiber production, and an increase in the output of products with higher added value.

In 2025, a record volume of cotton was harvested in the country — 466 thousand tons. Production included 116.1 thousand tons of cotton fiber, 500 tons of yarn, 5.2 million square meters of fabric, and 28.6 million units of finished textile products.

As an example, Vice Minister of Industry and Construction Olzhas Saparbekov noted that processing one ton of cotton fiber makes it possible to produce up to 1,650 units of finished textile products. If full processing of raw materials is ensured, the potential added value could reach $1.67 billion, while also contributing to the creation of up to 5 thousand jobs.

Projects that form a foundation for the medium-term perspective are already being implemented in the sector, including KazFeltec insulation production, Talshykteks woven polypropylene geotextile production, and Turkestan Textile cotton yarn production.

At the same time, despite the positive dynamics, participants of the meeting identified a number of systemic issues requiring comprehensive solutions. These relate to the development of the raw material base, modernization of production facilities, improvement of regulated procurement mechanisms, and expansion of financial support measures.

Industry enterprises confirmed their readiness to expand production and create new jobs if predictable development conditions are established.

Taking into account the identified objectives, a decision was made to develop a Comprehensive Program for the Development of Light Industry with the participation of the business community and industry associations. The need for a systemic document is обусловлена both the positive dynamics of the sector and the significant potential for its further growth.

“Light industry is very important for us from the point of view of ensuring employment for the population. For example, in the Turkestan Region, the most densely populated region of the country, the largest number of light industry enterprises is located. With their further development, it will be possible to provide local residents with jobs and decent wages. The Ministry of Industry and Construction needs to begin developing a light industry development program together with business. The document should define the core enterprises, their current indicators, and target benchmarks. Reciprocal commitments will primarily include ensuring employment for local residents and increasing production,” Serik Zhumangarin emphasized.

 

#Economy #Industry #President's instruction #Serik Zhumangarin

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