Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — China’s leading role in the global leather and footwear industry remains undisputed, with Guangdong province—particularly Guangzhou and the Shilin district—recognized as one of its key hubs.

Guangzhou Footwear Association (also known as the Guangdong Shoes Manufacturers Association – TAGSM) is based here, uniting hundreds of large enterprises and thousands of manufacturers.

During his visit to China, Akbar Sultanov, Chairman of the Uzcharmsanoat Association, held talks with the leadership of Guangzhou Footwear Association. The discussions focused on investment opportunities and organizing exports of products through Uzbekistan to international markets.

According to the association, the Shilin district alone hosts around eight thousand enterprises employing over 300,000 workers, with more than 2,600 brands operating. These figures highlight China’s possession of one of the world’s most developed production chains.

The Chinese side noted that it sees Uzbekistan not only as an attractive site for localized production but also as a promising logistics hub for access to the markets of Europe, Türkiye, and the Middle East.

For Uzbekistan, the partnership promises an influx of investments, the establishment of new high value-added production lines, the expansion of export geography, and the strengthening of the national brand’s image on the international stage.

For Chinese companies, cooperation with Uzbekistan offers production diversification amid rising domestic labor costs, utilization of the country’s strategic geographic location, access to a stable investment climate, and trade preferences.

Uzbekistan’s inclusion in the investment strategy of one of China’s largest industry associations marks an important step toward transforming the country into a regional center for the leather and footwear industry.

Collaboration with Guangzhou Footwear Association opens new opportunities for both sides: for Uzbekistan—investment, technology transfer, and access to new markets; for China—production diversification and expansion of global connections.