The International Labor Organisation (ILO) and Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB) are working together under a cooperation protocol.

The protocol would contribute to the creation of decent work for Syrians and host communities in the apparel industry as a leading industry of current and potential employment and support an enabling environment for economic growth.

The ILO office for Turkey has undertaken activities since 2015 for the Syrian refugee crisis.

The joint program by IHKIB and ILO will be implemented in provinces where Syrian refugees live in large numbers. The focus in this collaboration program will be on member companies which employ and intend to employ Syrians. The program will coordinate the operations of such companies in production, social compliance, and human resources management. It will include Turkish workers as well as Syrian guests in the sectoral labor force to further strengthen the sector.

The protocol will be valid for two years. It’s expected to set an example for subsequent schemes of cooperation.

As a most important sectoralorganisation with more than 7,000 members representing the Turkish apparel industry, IHKIB makes significant contributions to the sector and the Turkish economy.

Turkey’s apparel exports to the EU are 75 per cent of total Turkish apparel exports.