EU backs Uzbekistan textile trade deal

The European Parliament has approved a textile agreement with Uzbekistan, acknowledging the country’s efforts to eradicate child labour. But Parliament members (MEPs) also urged Uzbekistan to take further steps to end all other forms of forced labour, such as by students and civil servants, in its cotton harvest.

The deal resolves the final missing element of the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that has been in place since 1999, making each side a “most favoured nation” for the other. It will also further lower tariffs on Uzbek textile imports.

Photo: Anti-Slavery International

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