İHKİB Brings Turkish Ready-to-Wear Sector to the Forefront in London
İHKİB Brings Turkish Ready-to-Wear Sector to the Forefront in London
Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB) brought together the Turkish ready-to-wear sector with international buyers during a B2B event held at the prestigious Royal Horseguards Hotel in London, the heart of the UK’s fashion scene.
A total of 18 companies from Türkiye participated in the event, while 53 buyers from the British fashion industry were in attendance.
The event was also attended by Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and İHKİB President Mustafa Gültepe and İHKİB Vice President Mustafa Paşahan, who showed their support for Turkish exporters. Drawing strong interest from key representatives of the UK fashion scene, the fair provided Turkish companies with valuable opportunities to establish new business connections and strengthen their position in the international market.
TİM&İHKİB Chairman Mustafa Gültepe emphasized that the goal of the event was to highlight the quality and design strength of Türkiye’s ready-to-wear industry on a global stage.
İHKİB, Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), which has roots dating back to 1978 and serves as the organization teaching export to Türkiye, has been representing the Turkish Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Sector most effectively for years. İHKİB aims to maximize sectoral exports both qualitatively and quantitatively, covering approximately 70% of the total sector exports by its members, making it one of the most important organizations in the sector. İHKİB adapts to the rapid transformation process worldwide and supports all kinds of commercial activities of its thousands of members.
İHKİB conducts research, reporting, corporate communication, events, organizations, training activities, consultancy services, projects, fair services, and publishing activities in line with the goal of making Istanbul the fashion center and Anatolia the production base.
“More Than a Label, It’s Our Flag”: TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültekin Champions Turkish Export Identity
In a powerful statement that underscores the emotional and national significance of Turkish exports, Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) Chairman Mustafa Gültekin declared, “More than a label, it’s our flag,” during an exclusive interview today. His words reflect not only pride in Turkish products but a broader vision for how “Made in Türkiye” can evolve into a global symbol of quality, innovation, and resilience.
Gültekin emphasized that every product exported from Türkiye carries more than just commercial value—it embodies national spirit, craftsmanship, and ambition. “When a Turkish-made product reaches shelves abroad, it’s not just a trade transaction; it’s a message. It tells the world who we are, what we stand for, and what we can achieve,” he said.
As global trade dynamics shift amid economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, Gültekin highlighted the importance of investing in brand value, sustainable production, and digital transformation to elevate Türkiye’s position in international markets. “We’re not content with just being part of the supply chain—we want to lead, innovate, and be recognized,” he added.
Under Gültekin’s leadership, TİM has launched several initiatives to support exporters, including the National Export Brand Program, green transformation incentives, and efforts to open new markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. “Our flag on a product should instantly evoke trust and excellence. That’s the bar we’re setting,” he noted.
Looking ahead, TİM plans to work closely with government, industry, and academia to create a unified export identity that merges tradition with modernity. “This is a collective mission. It’s not just about exports—it’s about Türkiye’s place in the world,” Gültekin concluded.
