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36th GAFSHOES International Summer Fair Opens in Gaziantep

The opening ceremony of the 36th GAFSHOES International Footwear, Slipper, Leather Goods, and Sub-Industry Summer Fair was held with the participation of the city protocol. Organized by Akort Exhibition with the support of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO), KOSGEB, the Turkish Federation of General Shoemakers, and various sector-specific chambers and associations, the fair has officially opened its doors.

The fair aims to host approximately 35,000 visitors and will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM for four days.

Key Highlights from the Ceremony

Hüseyin Kaptan – Deputy Governor of Gaziantep

Kaptan highlighted the significance of the event for the city's industrial identity:

"Our institutions, led by GSO and Akort Exhibition, are not only providing momentum to the footwear and slipper sectors but are also making significant contributions to our firms. Despite global challenges, I congratulate our companies that continue to breathe life into our economy through production, exports, and employment."

Halil Uğur – Deputy Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality

Uğur noted that Gaziantep has historically been a trade hub:

"Gaziantep is now a world-class city, recognized not only for gastronomy and culture but for its industrial output. With the efforts of our Chambers and producers, we are on the path to becoming a global leader in the footwear sector."

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

Ünverdi compared fairs to the circulatory system of the industry:

"Just as veins nourish our organs, fairs keep our sectors alive and open new horizons. Gaziantep is Turkey's 6th largest exporter, and the footwear sector holds a significant share of our $10 billion+ annual exports."

Ünverdi also addressed critical economic issues:

• Brand Over Price: He urged producers to compete through branding and added value rather than just lowering prices. "If the labor is ours, the added value must also be ours," he stated.

• Specialized Industrial Zone: Construction continues on the Gaziantep Footwear, Slipper, and Sub-Industry Specialized Organized Industrial Zone. The first 88-hectare phase is underway, with road construction completed.

• E-Commerce and Taxation: Ünverdi expressed concern over planned 2025 tax regulations. He warned that high withholding tax rates (up to 25%) on e-commerce platforms could increase costs for producers and fuel inflation for consumers, urging the government to reconsider the regulation.

Mehmet Emin İnce – President of the Gaziantep Chamber of Shoemakers

"Gaziantep produces one out of every three shoes in Turkey. Our goal is to increase our share in the global market through e-exports. Remaining at the peak of the industry is our ultimate objective."

Orhan Akkaya – Board Member of Akort Exhibition

"For a quarter of a century, we have organized GAFSHOES with GSO. It remains one of the most important fairs in the Turkish footwear industry. Visitors will have the chance to examine countless products and special collections prepared for the summer season."

Participants and Scope

The ceremony was attended by a broad range of officials, including Gaziantep Deputy Governors, District Mayors, University Rectors, and Chairmen of various Trade and Commodity Exchanges.

Exhibition Profile:

• Products: Men's, women's, children's, sports, safety, and military footwear; slippers; sub-industry materials (soles, accessories, chemicals); leather goods (rawhide, artificial leather); and machinery.

• National Reach: Participating firms from Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Konya, and several other Turkish provinces.

• International Presence: Hosting participants and delegations from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Morocco, Sudan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Palestine, Uganda, and India.

• Scale: Representing 300 companies and 1,000 brands.