A group representing Italy’s textile machinery manufacturers has signed an agreement to assist the Uzbek textile sector in developing its industry, the Italian group said on Monday.

The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) reached the agreement with the Uzbek Textile Association, an agreement which has been approved by the Italian Trade Association.

“In our encounters with our Uzbek counterparts, we have sought to present ourselves with structured offers, for instance with the involvement of the engineering firm Endeco, since the demand for turnkey production installations requires that bids be structured through businesses with specific expertise in this field.”

ACIMIT also underlined its support for Italian businesses looking to expand in emerging markets.

 “Uzbekistan has a centuries-old tradition in the processing of raw materials,” ACIMIT President Sandro Salmoiraghi said in an ACIMIT press release published on Monday.

“It’s the sixth largest producer of cotton. The country is currently undergoing a strong phase of industrialization, and in recent years its textile industry has begun a profound restructuring process for the transformation of raw materials domestically.”