Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Currently, a delegation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Chairman Akobir Tukhtaev, is visiting Karachi, Pakistan’s largest economic center.

The primary goal of the visit is to strengthen trade, economic, and investment ties between the two countries, as well as to identify promising areas of cooperation in the leather industry.

During the visit, extensive negotiations were held with the management of leading leather companies in Karachi, including Hub Leather, Muhammad Ashraf (Pvt) Ltd., and Irfan Nova Leather. Hub Leather boasts an impressive annual turnover of US$40 million and exports amounting to US$30 million. Among the company’s international clients are brands such as Zara, PME Netherlands, and Mauritius Germany.

With a workforce of about 700 employees, the company processes 1.5 million square decimeters of leather annually.

Its production processes fully comply with international environmental standards such as LWG, GTW, and Sedex.

The company’s director, Mr. Rehan, announced plans to visit Uzbekistan in June 2025 to conduct specific negotiations on the implementation of joint projects.

Muhammad Ashraf (Pvt) Ltd. is one of Pakistan’s leading leather exporters, with an annual turnover of US$28 million and exports totaling US$22 million. The company’s clients include brands like Zara, Vercachu, Armani, Trussardi, Bengo, and Mango. Around 1,100 employees process 1.1 million square decimeters of leather annually. Its production processes are certified according to LWG, GTW, BSCI, Sedex, and SMETA standards. Mr. Atif intends to establish a production facility in Uzbekistan named “Ashraf Uzbekistan” and plans to visit the country in June to finalize the details.

Founded in 1987, Irfan Nova Leather has an export turnover of US$25 million and operates a full production cycle — from raw leather to finished goods. Annually, the company exports about 3 million units of raw leather, 60,000 leather jackets, and over 50,000 finished products.

Approximately 80% of its products are supplied to the Zara brand, including women’s clothing. The company employs about 1,300 people and operates in accordance with international standards including LWG, OEKO TEX, GTW, Sedex, BSCI, and ISO. The production uses primarily European chemical materials. The company’s director, Mr. Irfan, plans to visit Uzbekistan in June to practically implement the cooperation.

Following the negotiations in Karachi, the three leading companies agreed to establish a joint production facility in Uzbekistan, expand local production, and increase export volumes. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan confirmed its readiness to provide investors with all necessary legal and organizational support for the successful implementation of these projects.