At a summit uniting Turkish apparel manufacturers, global brands, and purchasing groups, Mustafa Gültepe, President of TIM and IHKIB, emphasized the pivotal role of European and US markets in achieving a $40 billion export milestone. Gültepe highlighted that Turkey exports 60% of its apparel to EU countries, a figure that climbs to 75% when considering other European nations and the USA. He underscored the industry's strategic importance for the Turkish economy and emphasized the need to intensify efforts in these key markets.
The summit, themed 'Green Transformation,' convened stakeholders to discuss initiatives aligning with the Green Deal. Gültepe's address emphasized Turkey's status as a global apparel player and outlined plans to double current annual exports to $40 billion, with a clear focus on European and American markets. He emphasized Turkey's competitive edge in design, production quality, and geographical proximity to these markets.
Furthermore, Gültepe urged global brands not to solely prioritize pricing but to consider sustainability and partnership longevity. He emphasized Turkey's commitment to integrating sustainability into its advantages and called for collaborations grounded in sustainability principles.
Following Gültepe's remarks, presentations by key figures such as Euratex Director General Dirk Vantyghem and Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Trade Bahar Güçlü delved into sustainability strategies and legal implications of the Green Deal. Deputy Secretary General of ITKIB, Özlem Güneş, highlighted the opportunities the Green Deal presents for Turkey's apparel industry and outlined IHKIB's efforts in adapting to its requirements.
The summit underscored Turkey's strategic imperative to leverage its strengths in the apparel sector, particularly in sustainable practices, to secure growth in lucrative markets. Gültepe's call for collaboration based on sustainability signals a proactive approach to industry challenges, positioning Turkey as a key player in the global apparel landscape.
