In a strategic move to bolster the global competitiveness of Turkey's apparel industry, the Istanbul Apparel Exporters' Association (IHKIB) has joined hands with the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). This collaboration holds significant promise as IHKIB, representing a staggering 80 per cent of Turkey's apparel exports, seeks to empower its members in navigating international markets and staying attuned to sectoral advancements.

IHKIB's proactive engagement with its members includes fostering partnerships and initiatives with various ministries to bolster and streamline export activities. With the lion's share of Turkish apparel exports flowing through IHKIB members, the association assumes a pivotal role in both the national and international trade landscape.

Highlighting the importance of WRAP certification in enhancing global market competitiveness, both IHKIB and WRAP emphasized the benefits of aligning with WRAP's standards. WRAP, a US-based non-profit organization, champions safe, ethical, and lawful working conditions in the textile and apparel industry. For the more than 3,500 WRAP-certified facilities worldwide, the certification not only alleviates audit fatigue but also elevates their appeal to leading brands and retailers by showcasing commitment to workers' rights, safety, and environmental sustainability.

The collaboration between IHKIB and WRAP extends beyond mere certification endeavors. Marking a significant milestone, the two entities inked a Good-Will Agreement aimed at bolstering business relations between Turkey and the USA. This agreement encompasses a pilot project designed to identify leading Turkish apparel companies exporting to the USA and encourage them to attain WRAP certification. In reciprocation, WRAP will provide comprehensive training, both in-person and virtual, to aid these facilities in the certification process.

Expressing optimism about the collaboration, Selcuk Mehmet Kaya, Chairman of IHKIB's International Relations and Sustainability Committee, underscored its alignment with IHKIB's mission to guide members towards excellence and sustainability, thereby contributing to increased Turkish apparel exports in the lucrative US market. Avedis Seferian, President and CEO of WRAP, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing WRAP's commitment to promoting responsible practices and its eagerness to support Turkish exporters in achieving success on the global stage.