Istanbul to Become a Global Fashion Center: İHKİB Elections on the Horizon
Istanbul, Turkey – As the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB) prepares for its electoral general assembly in April, Mustafa Paşahan, currently serving as Vice President, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency. Paşahan unveiled his vision to elevate Istanbul’s status as a global fashion capital, emphasizing comprehensive strategies for industry development.
Developing Human Resources and Branding for Global Competitiveness
During a press conference held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Paşahan articulated his commitment to several key initiatives. He stated, “We are developing projects to enhance skilled human resources in the sector, strengthen design capabilities, leverage the multiplier effect of branding, establish Istanbul as a global fashion center, and capitalize on the opportunities presented by e-exports.” This holistic approach aims to address various facets of the apparel industry, from talent development to market expansion.
Addressing SME Challenges and Advocating for Increased Support
Paşahan acknowledged the competitive challenges faced by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the sector. He highlighted the success of intensive lobbying efforts in Ankara, which have secured employment support for SMEs over the past year. However, he stressed that the current level of support, including the 3,500 Lira employment support and 1,270 Lira minimum wage support for 2026, is insufficient given prevailing economic conditions.
“We have conveyed our expectations to Ankara for more flexible conditions, including increasing employment support to 6,000 Lira, minimum wage support to 2,500 Lira, foreign exchange conversion support to 10 percent, and reducing the interest rate on rediscount credits to 15 percent,” Paşahan added, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced financial backing for SMEs.
Prioritizing Low-Interest Financing and Export Facilitation
Looking ahead, Paşahan outlined several priorities for his potential tenure. These include the establishment of an SME Committee and an SME Support Desk. He also emphasized the importance of fostering new collaborations with institutions such as Eximbank, Türk Ticaret Bankası, and İGE A.Ş. to facilitate greater access to low-interest and long-term financing for businesses. Furthermore, Paşahan aims to increase participation in fair and trade delegation programs and expand the application of counting sales to foreign nationals as export status to enable more exporters to obtain green passports.
These strategic initiatives are designed to create a more supportive and competitive environment for Istanbul’s apparel and ready-to-wear industry, ultimately contributing to its goal of becoming a leading global fashion hub.
