Light industry producers` problems discussed 

ArmInfo. A meeting with representatives of the light industry was held under the chairmanship of Edgar Zakaryan, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of  Armenia.

Participants discussed issues of concern to manufacturers and the  challenges facing the industry.  Participants were presented with  recently adopted state support programs, which provide for subsidized  interest rates on loans for imported raw materials for the textile  industry and compensation for the costs of obtaining textile  certificates.

Special attention was paid to state support for the participation of  local manufacturers in international exhibitions, aimed at opening  new markets and creating new opportunities for expanding cooperation.

Edgar Zakaryan confirmed the Ministry's commitment to continuing  close cooperation with industry representatives, contributing to  increasing production potential, addressing issues raised, and  stimulating exports.

It is worth noting that, according to the Statistical Committee of  the Republic of Armenia, textile production in Armenia in  January-July 2025 amounted to 3.3 billion drams, a 13.2% increase  compared to the same period last year. Clothing production decreased  by 4.4% to 22.8 billion drams, while leather and related products  decreased by 23.9% to 1.8 billion drams.

As a reminder, in May of this year, the Ministry of Economy proposed  the creation of a Textile Industry Operator Fund, which would be  tasked with acting as the industry's operator. This will facilitate  the balanced development of the industry, specifically the  coordinated and targeted development of the sector.  The operator can  coordinate private and public initiatives in the textile industry,  promoting the targeted use of resources and the elimination of  repetitive work.

This will help identify and promote potential. The operator can  conduct large-scale mapping of the sector.

It will also serve as a link between the public and private sectors.  Specifically, the operator can act as an intermediary between the  public sector, private manufacturers, educational institutions,  investors, designers and other fashion professionals, and local and  international partners. The relevant legal act was developed in  accordance with the Government of the Republic of Armenia's February  2, 2023, Decree "On Approval of the Textile Industry Development  Program in Armenia and the Resulting Action Plan for 2023-2026." The  document outlines three key areas for 2023-2026: developing human  capital and capabilities; enhancing production capacity; and  stimulating exports. As a result of the strategy's implementation,  production volumes are expected to increase by 1.8 times, and exports  are expected to reach $500 million.