The Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB) has secured €37 million (approximately $43.48 million) in grant funding from the European Union (EU) to promote the Turkey fashion industry transformation.
During the 17th edition of its symposium, titled “Green Future Vision in Textiles: Climate-Friendly Solutions and Digitalization,” İHKİB’s subsidiary, Ekoteks, facilitated discussions among officials, international stakeholders, representatives from global brands, and academic experts focused on sustainable production methods.
Mustafa Gültepe, chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and İHKİB, emphasized the necessity of transformation across all industries to boost Turkey’s export capabilities to the EU and broader global markets.
“42% of our total exports, 60% of our apparel exports, and nearly 40% of our textile exports are destined for EU countries. We want not only our textile and apparel industries but all of our sectors to capture a larger share of this major market. That is precisely why we must realize the twin transition. Because ahead of us lies the European Green Deal, which serves as the constitution of this transformation,” asserted Gültepe.
Gültepe noted that both TİM and İHKİB are working closely with Turkish ministries and the EU to accelerate this transition through collaborative projects. He highlighted that İHKİB has completed various initiatives, is currently engaged in others, and is preparing to launch new ones.
One notable completed project is METAMORPHOSIS, funded by the EU Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), which aims to digitize apparel production processes.
Additionally, İHKİB established the Digital Transformation Center (DDM), offering services and consultancy to facilitate digital transformation for companies.
The association has also obtained EU funding for the Manufacturing Industry Digitalization and Innovation Service Network (MİDAS) Project, which was initiated in May 2025. This project aims to strengthen Turkey’s fashion sector by improving both digital and green production capabilities while promoting branded manufacturing.
To further enhance awareness within the sector, İHKİB conducts training programs covering topics like corporate carbon footprint measurement, product lifecycle analysis, and climate change.
The association also provides guidance on environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and has made its Green Transition Guide available online.
In June of this year, İHKİB signed a cooperation protocol with the Bilişim Vadisi – Technology Development Zone to improve the Turkey fashion industry transformation and enhance the Turkish apparel industry’s standing in international markets.
