The opening ceremony of the 4th TRIKONFEX: Knitwear, Knitwear Yarn, Ready-to-Wear, and Technologies Fair was held with the participation of Gaziantep’s provincial protocol. Organized by the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) in cooperation with Akort Exhibition and supported by the Gaziantep Chamber of Knitwear and Hosiery Manufacturers, the fair opened its doors at the Middle East Exhibition Center (OFM).

The ceremony was attended by Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin, GSO Chairman Adnan Ünverdi, Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (GTO) Chairman M. Tuncay Yıldırım, and other key institutional leaders and sector representatives.

Key Remarks from the Opening Ceremony

Kemal Çeber – Governor of Gaziantep

Governor Çeber emphasized that TRIKONFEX creates new opportunities for the sector and the city.

"With its industrial power and investments, I believe Gaziantep will become the 'New Marmara Region of Turkey' in 20-25 years. Our city is a candidate to become the new Istanbul. Even in the most difficult times, Gaziantep demonstrates its immense potential, especially in the economy. This fair is a vital organization in that regard."

Fatma Şahin – Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality

Mayor Şahin focused on the importance of branding and innovation:

"We must make more progress in branding within the knitwear sector. While we are a leading city in production and exports, we must also succeed in innovation and design. If we fail there, we cannot reach our ultimate goals. This city has the strength, unity, and belief to achieve this."

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

Ünverdi expressed his pride in organizing the fair after a four-year hiatus.

"Knitwear and garment production is a deeply rooted sector in our city. Because it is labor-intensive, it provides critical employment for our country. Our goal is to increase the added value and competitiveness of the sector."

Ünverdi also addressed industry challenges and regional incentives:

• Infrastructure: Plans are underway to provide dedicated space for knitwear and ready-to-wear firms in the Şahinbey-Polateli Organized Industrial Zone, which offers "6th Region" investment incentives.

• Global Competition: He noted that high logistics costs and customs prices are pushing customers toward China and Egypt, despite Turkish products being of higher quality. He also cited rising costs in raw materials, labor, energy, and bank credits as negative factors affecting all sectors.

Reşit Durak – President of the Gaziantep Chamber of Knitwear Manufacturers

"The fact that such a critical fair is held in our city is highly gratifying. We will continue to work to increase the market share of our local firms, as the knitwear sector holds great potential for both exports and employment."

Orhan Akkaya – Board Member of Akort Exhibition

Akkaya highlighted the exhibition's scale:

"The ready-to-wear and textile industries are among the top three contributors to Turkey's exports. This year, TRIKONFEX features 50 participants and nearly 300 brands, showcasing the latest fashion trends and collections. Fairs like this contribute not only to trade but also to the economic and social dynamics of the region."

Exhibition Details

Following the speeches, the protocol members toured the stands to receive briefings on the latest products and technologies.

• Exhibits: Knitwear products, yarns, ready-to-wear garments, fabrics, sub-industry materials, accessories, and industry publications.

• Dates: The fair will be open to visitors from June 27–29, 2024.