Strategic Directions for the Development of the Kyrgyz Garment Industry in the Context of the Changing Structure of Export Markets and Growing Regional Competition

The garment industry of the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the key and dynamically developing segments of the light industry, making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country, providing employment and strengthening export potential. In recent years, the industry has demonstrated positive dynamics, but the modern external economic environment imposes new, higher requirements on product quality, technological level of production and the ability of enterprises to scale. In the context of increased regional competition from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and China, as well as changes in the structure of global and regional demand, create conditions in which the Kyrgyz garment industry faces the need for deep modernization and structural transformation. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the key constraints of the industry's development, including the fragmented production structure, high dependence on imported raw materials and accessories, technological backwardness of some enterprises, shortage of qualified personnel, underdevelopment of national brands and limited opportunities to enter premium market segments. The high social importance of the sector, which provides employment for up to 7% of the working-age population, mainly women, is emphasized, which makes the industry an important element of social stability. Promising areas of modernization have been identified: the formation of textile and clothing clusters, the creation of industrial parks, the introduction of digital technologies, the improvement of quality standards and the expansion of export markets. It is concluded that the transition to an innovative, technological and export-oriented production model is a key condition for the long-term competitiveness of the Kyrgyz Republic's garment industry on a regional and global scale.