Europe's Premier IFCO Unveiled its Grandeur

Chairman Mustafa Gültepe of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TİM) envisions a medium-term export feat, setting their sights on a formidable $60 billion, with $40 billion dedicated to the ready-to-wear sector and $20 billion to textiles. This ambitious target finds its foundation in our exceptional brand identity in production, robust design prowess, skilled human resources, and our esteemed portfolio of brands.

The curtains have risen on the fourth Istanbul Ready-to-Wear and Fashion Fair (IFCO), an event that has solidified its status as a hallmark gathering within the global Turkish fashion industry and now stands as Europe's unparalleled leader in its domain. The inaugural ceremony, graced by the presence of Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, marked a significant moment in the Turkish fashion landscape.

Inaugurating the event, Trade Minister Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat asserted the undeniable vitality of the ready-to-wear and textile sectors for the nation. Bolat's sentiments of enthusiasm for Europe's largest ready-to-wear and fashion exposition resonated powerfully:

"As a ministry, we provide unwavering support to IFCO, offering both extensive promotion and 50% participation, along with facilitating procurement delegations. With an anticipated attendance of 30,000 visitors, we have brought 94 procurement delegations from 26 countries to Turkey, fostering invaluable connections. Our commitment to this sector, its production endeavors, and investments stands unwavering. We pledge our relentless support to exporters and industrialists, remaining steadfast 24/7, just as we do for our workers, tradespeople, farmers, pensioners, and merchants. We are dedicated to bolstering the national economy for them."

TİM PRESIDENT GÜLTEPE: THE LEVEL OF THE EXCHANGE RATE GAVE OUR EXPORTERS A PARTIAL BREATHING SPACE

President of TIM Mustafa Gültepe, in his speech, reminded that they are continuing their journey with the goal of making Turkey one of the top 10 countries in exports. Emphasizing that the 2028 vision will be the first big test in this journey, Gültepe continued as follows:

"Our journey, guided by 27 sectors, over 115,000 exporters, and 61 exporters' associations, propels us towards the audacious goal of $400 billion in goods and $200 billion in service exports by 2028. These associations are meticulously crafting their projects, primed for presentation to our ministry by November. Our path is by no means a simple one. While 2021 and 2022 saw steady progress, this year, we navigate a turbulent sea against the tides. As we approach the centennial celebration of our Republic's foundation, our hopes are set on achieving the targets of $265 billion in goods exports and $120 billion in service exports."

READY-TO-WEAR AND TEXTILE ARE AMONG OUR MOST CRITICAL SECTORS

Gültepe, in his address, underscored the pivotal stature of ready-to-wear and textiles in the national fabric, woven with their value-added production, workforce contribution, and remarkable export figures, totaling $32 billion. Gültepe aspired to catalyze this momentum, envisioning a medium-term export figure of $60 billion, with $40 billion attributed to the ready-to-wear segment and $20 billion to textiles; “With our distinguished brand identity in production, potent design acumen, skilled human resources, and prized brands, the potential for this achievement is resoundingly evident. Elevating value and branding endeavors will undoubtedly yield positive export outcomes. Our pursuit of diversified market penetration through participation in fairs, trade activities, and procurement missions remains unwavering.”