The current framework is more restrictive than facilitative for mutual trade relations, Gültepe said during a conference titled "The Transformation Journey of the Turkish Ready-to-Wear Industry".
Hosted by the Istanbul Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters' Association (İHKİB), the meeting saw representations from exporters, international brands, sector professionals, and experts.
Gültepe, who also serves as chairman of İHKİB, highlighted that Europe remains a “strategic market” for Türkiye’s apparel sector. He said: “We export approximately 70% of our apparel products to Europe. We hold a strong position in many European markets, particularly in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.”
He also noted that being a nearshore supplier will not be enough in the medium and long term.
The sector is working towards digitalisation and sustainability and has strategically deployed EU funds to facilitate this transition. So far, projects that have been completed or are in progress have benefitted from a total of €37m in grants from the EU.
“In this context, we also believe that the Customs Union must be updated in line with transforming economic paradigms. Furthermore, we consider it essential—and strongly recommend—that Türkiye should be included in the free trade agreements (FTAs) the EU signs with third countries, in order to establish diagonal cumulation,” Gültepe stated.
During the meeting, European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) president Mario Jorge Machado, also called for urgent initiation of a Customs Union modernisation process to “unlock” the capability of cooperation in the sector between the EU and Turkey.
“In this uncertain environment, the EU and Turkey can offer the world a different model based on strategic resilience, sustainable innovation, and shared prosperity,” Machado said.
American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) president Steve Lamar said: “As we all seek predictability amid uncertainties in the coming months and years, I believe Turkey will successfully leverage these strengths. Brands and retailers want fewer but more reliable partners with similar values, and with the right approach, there is every reason to believe that the Turkish industry will be part of this transformation journey.”
