TEXTILE CITY EMPHASIS FOR THE CAPITAL AT THE FASHION FAIR

ATO PRESIDENT BARAN SPOKE AT THE OPENING OF THE "ANKARA INTERNATIONAL READY-TO-WEAR AND FASHION FAIR"

BARAN: WE ARE DETERMINED TO MAKE ANKARA THE CAPITAL OF TEXTILES AND READY-TO-WEAR

BARAN: WITH TEXTILE CITY, ANKARA WILL BE THE WINNER

27-02-2025- The "Ankara International Ready-to-Wear and Fashion Fair" (Capital of Fashion - COF'25), held for the second time this year with the support of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), brought together the world's leading brands in ready-to-wear and textiles. Speaking at the opening ceremony, ATO Chairman of the Board Gürsel Baran highlighted the planned "Textile City" project in Ankara, stating that the Ankara Chamber of Commerce is ready to provide support for its realization. Baran said, "Textile City will make significant contributions to our city and economy. By setting our roadmap, we will work together for the future of our industry. Ultimately, Ankara will be the winner."

One of the most significant gatherings in the fashion industry, the "Ankara International Ready-to-Wear and Fashion Fair - COF'25" began yesterday at ATO Congresium. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ankara Clothing Manufacturers Association (AGSD) and REM Fair Organization, with contributions from ATO's No. 2 Ready-to-Wear and Knitwear Committee and No. 17 Textile, Haberdashery, and Furnishings Committee.

The opening ceremony featured speeches from ATO President Gürsel Baran, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaþ, Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO) President Seyit Ardýç, Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Federation President Hüseyin Öztürk, Ankara Clothing Manufacturers Association President Hayati Akbaba, and REM Fair Organization President Remzi Çayýr.

WE WILL MAKE ANKARA THE CAPITAL OF TEXTILES AND READY-TO-WEAR

ATO President Gürsel Baran emphasized the importance of the fair for the industry, stating, "The first edition of the fair last year was highly successful. More than 100 brands, over 40 countries, and nearly 500 procurement delegations participated. Significant business connections were established with both domestic and international companies. This year, we will take this success even further."

Addressing the challenges in global trade, Baran highlighted the sector's strong potential despite recent fluctuations in exports. He stated, "We are going through a challenging period both globally and domestically. Last year, there was a slight decline in exports, but the textile industry remains strong. In the previous year, we achieved $9.4 billion in textile exports and $17.9 billion in ready-to-wear exports. Despite all difficulties, we will work to increase these figures this year. We are determined to make Ankara the capital of textiles and ready-to-wear in our country."

READY TO COLLABORATE FOR TEXTILE CITY

Baran also touched upon the planned "Textile City" project in Ankara, reiterating that the Ankara Chamber of Commerce is ready to support this initiative. He stated, "We believe that Textile City will make significant contributions to our city and economy. As the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, we are prepared to do our part in this project. By setting our roadmap, we will work together for the future of our industry. Ultimately, Ankara will be the winner."

He also spoke about efforts to establish an international exhibition center in Ankara, stating, "We are making great efforts to establish a world-class exhibition center that truly befits Ankara. We are closely following this issue and working to find a solution as soon as possible. Strengthening our exhibition infrastructure will further enhance Ankara's international competitiveness in textiles and ready-to-wear."

Ankara Clothing Manufacturers Association President Hayati Akbaba also emphasized that the fair presents a significant opportunity for both national and international competition. He stated that they are working to maximize Ankara's potential in the ready-to-wear and fashion sectors. Highlighting the importance of the Textile City project for employment and exports in Ankara, Akbaba said, "Textile City will not only boost production but also enable our national brands and designers to establish a stronger presence on the global stage."

The opening ceremony was attended by ATO Assembly President Mustafa Deryal, ABB Deputy Mayor Faruk Köylüoðlu, members of ATO's No. 2 Ready-to-Wear and Knitwear Committee and No. 17 Textile, Haberdashery, and Furnishings Committee, as well as industry representatives.

The fair, featuring the participation of established brands from the capital, will be open for visitors until February 28.