BISHKEK (Fibre2fashion) – Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economic Regulation has announced that it will open new garment testing laboratories as they are necessary to certify those garments that meet Customs Union (CU) standards.

Kyrgyzstan Textiles Market – 2008 (PDF)
The Kyrgyz textile and apparel market has developed largely without any government interference or foreign investment. It is primarily an export oriented industry. In the past few years it has been growing rapidly and exports of textiles reached almost $80 million in 2007.

The certification issue is troubling small and medium enterprises of not only Kyrgyz Republic but also other CU members. The matter was discussed by the Ministry with Soyuz and Legprom textile associations.

Entrepreneurs say the certification would add value to Kyrgyz garments.

However, in order for Kyrgyz garments to be able to compete with goods from other World Trade Organization (WTO) members, production costs would have to be reduced, which would be possible if electricity charges and rents are lowered, and taxes are reduced, they add.

Kyrgyzstan’s garment exports would be affected due to Russia joining the WTO because it no more requires garments or other goods from Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, licenses to the Dordoi market, one of Asia’s largest wholesale and retail markets in Bishkek region of Kyrgyzstan, have also become very costly for merchants.