On April 20, 2021, Oskar Moda organized an official opening ceremony of its expanded apparel factory in Bishkek. The new facility was opened in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Support from USAID has helped the business to create more than 100 new jobs this year alone.
Under USAID’s Enterprise Competitiveness Project, Oskar Moda received new modern equipment including ironing, wrapping and stitching machines, inkjet plotter, embroidery, and pocket sheet machines. The company itself, led by Gulbaira Djumataeva, invested in the construction of a new building and purchasing additional sewing equipment. The owner also introduced modern management practices and labor standards for employees with USAID’s assistance.
“Our company is focused on providing good working conditions for our employees. We provide employees with regular meals and special financial assistance. We also have built a dormitory to accommodate employees that live outside of Bishkek,” – says Ms. Gulbaira Djumataeva.
Oskar Moda specializes in producing women’s clothing using knit materials and a large variety of fabrics. More than 80% of employees are women. In the next 2 years, the company plans to create an additional 118 jobs.
“We’re proud to support entrepreneurs like Gulbaira Djumataeva because expanding businesses means new jobs and incomes for Kyrgyzstani families. We also pay special attention to fast-growing sectors like textile production because they provide new opportunities for women to earn an income outside the home,” said Alder Bartlett, USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Acting Mission Director. “All of the support from USAID comes in the form of grants, so our partners do not have to pay this money back.”
The USAID Enterprise Competitiveness Project is a $23 million investment implemented over five years. The project works with small and medium businesses in the fields of textiles, food production, agriculture, IT, finance, and others to help them expand their production and sales to create more jobs in Kyrgyzstan. The program has already provided support to more than 80 businesses across the country.
The program continues to accept applications for grant support from businesses in Kyrgyzstan. Please visit this website for more information about the grant opportunities.
