DUSHANBE, April 30, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The International Trade Center brought together a selection of Tajik textile and clothing factories, university professors and other stakeholders to gain a better understanding of how to improve productivity and quality in order to increase competitiveness in the Tajik textile and clothing sector.

Two seminars on “Productivity, Profitability and Competitiveness in the Clothing Industry” were conducted in Khujand (22-23 April) and Dushanbe (28-29 April).

Organized under ITC project, Strengthening Export Competitiveness of SMEs in the Textile and Clothing sector and Enhancing Trade Support Institutional Capacities in Tajikistan, which is funded by the Government of Switzerland within its Trade Cooperation Program (TCP) in Tajikistan, the seminars were conducted by Dr. Rajesh Bheda, ITC International Consultant on Quality Management and Productivity and Managing Director of Rajesh Bheda Consulting.

The program of seminars focused on the identification of non-value added activities in the business process and their participants were introduced to: the latest methods of improving sewing skills, the use of the third generation system in the clothing industry, the implementation of “zero defect” and “lean manufacturing” programs, reduction of waste and development of action plans to improve productivity, etc.

The seminars are an excellent opportunity to learn from a global consulting leader in productivity improvement in the clothing industry.  Dr. Rajesh Bheda has assisted clothing manufacturers, international brands and industry associations worldwide, helping to address the challenges of skill shortages and worker motivation.  Rajesh Bheda Consulting’s productivity and quality improvement projects have resulted in over 25% improved productivity and significant improvements in the quality of clothing manufactures.  Tajik textile and clothing companies have benefitted from Dr. Bheda’s thought provoking seminars, organized by ITC in the past and his advice has helped them to improve their product quality and productivity.

Dr. Rajesh Bheda’s mission to Tajikistan also includes individual consultations with some of the partner companies.

The present project is component FOUR of the Trade Cooperation Program (TCP) in Tajikistan and aims to increase the export competitiveness of the textile and clothing (T&C) sector, by providing sector specific support to SMEs and relevant trade support institutions (TSIs), as well as supporting respective stakeholders in taking a strategic approach to the sector’s development.  It will also explore the challenges and development potential of the tourism and handicraft sectors in Tajikistan, outlining relevant trade related technical assistance priorities.

Within its Cooperation Strategy for 2012-2015, Switzerland focuses on four sectors in Tajikistan; Health, Rule of Law, Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation, and Private Sector Development. The overall goal of Swiss Cooperation in Tajikistan is to support the transition process in the country through contributing to economic development and by helping build institutions and systems which are responsive to the population’s needs.