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12th PENTEX: Ready-to-Wear, Textile, and Technologies Fair Opens in Gaziantep

The opening ceremony of the 12th PENTEX Ready-to-Wear, Textile, and Technologies Fair was held with the participation of city protocol, industry leaders, and distinguished guests. Organized by Akort Exhibition in collaboration with the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) and the Ready-to-Wear Garment and Manufacturing Association (PENKON), and supported by the Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Federation (MHGF), the fair opened its doors at the Gaziantep Middle East Exhibition Center (OFM).

The fair, aiming to host approximately 20,000 professional visitors, will be open from December 17–20, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Key Remarks from the Opening Ceremony

Hüseyin Kaptan – Deputy Governor of Gaziantep

Kaptan highlighted Gaziantep's status as a leader in industrial production:

"The textile and ready-to-wear sector is a locomotive of Gaziantep’s economy. Fairs like PENTEX allow our producers to monitor technological advancements closely and strengthen the city’s position in national and international trade."

Halil Uğur – Deputy Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality

Uğur emphasized the added value fairs bring to the local economy:

"Gaziantep is a model city with its culture of production and entrepreneurial spirit. PENTEX showcases the innovative face of the industry while allowing our firms to expand into new markets."

Adnan Ünverdi – Chairman of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO)

Ünverdi addressed the economic challenges and the strategic importance of the sector:

"Despite global and national economic difficulties, we are striving to empower our industries through these fairs. The ready-to-wear sector is vital for employment. Gaziantep exports to 184 countries, with $132 million specifically coming from ready-to-wear and apparel exports last year, ranking our city 8th in Turkey in this sector."

Critical Warnings and Digital Transformation:

• Support Mechanisms: Ünverdi warned that a decline in this labor-intensive sector leads directly to unemployment, urging the immediate activation of support mechanisms and reduction of input costs.

• Branding: He stressed that relying on old methods is no longer sustainable. "We must do more regarding branding and value-added production."

• E-Commerce Success: He noted that Gaziantep became the 3rd highest exporting city on Trendyol (a major e-commerce platform) this November. He urged sectors making finished products, like apparel and footwear, to invest heavily in digital markets.

Mehmet Kurt – President of PENKON

"PENTEX brings our firms together with the latest technologies and trends. This organization helps our producers increase their competitiveness and establish new commercial connections."

Orhan Akkaya – Board Member of Akort Exhibition

Akkaya noted that PENTEX remains the first and only fair of its kind in its specific field:

"Hundreds of brands are showcasing their latest collections. We expect significant commercial collaborations with visitors coming from many countries, particularly Iraq, Russia, and Ukraine."

About the Fair

The 12th PENTEX Fair features combed cotton (penye), fabrics, ready-to-wear garments, and sub-industry materials.

• Scale: Hosting 65 participating companies representing 250 brands.

• Regional Reach: Beyond Gaziantep-based firms, exhibitors from Adana, Istanbul, Mersin, Bursa, Konya, and Tekirdağ are participating.