The opening ceremony of the 10th PENTEX Ready-to-Wear, Textile, and Technologies Fair was held with the participation of the city protocol. Organized by Akort Exhibition with the support of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO), the Ready-to-Wear Garment and Manufacturing Association (PENKON), and the Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Federation (MHGF), the fair has officially opened its doors.

The fair, which aims to host approximately 20,000 professional visitors, will be open from December 18–21, 2024, between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Key Remarks from the Opening Ceremony

Kemal Çeber – Governor of Gaziantep

Governor Çeber emphasized that despite current challenges, the textile and ready-to-wear industry remains a locomotive of the national economy.

"We are a strong nation that can overcome any hardship through unity, as demonstrated by our recovery following the February 6 earthquake. We trust our state, our people, and our business world. Fairs like PENTEX are crucial as they empower our companies and the sector at large."

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

Ünverdi noted that Gaziantep continues to produce and export under all conditions:

"Fairs allow our firms to open up to new markets and follow innovations despite international trade issues. Ready-to-wear is an indispensable sector for our city, contributing significant employment and added value. Gaziantep exports over $10 billion annually to 190 countries, and this sector holds a major share of that success."

Industry Planning and Expectations:

• Infrastructure: Ünverdi mentioned that they could plan a dedicated area for the sector within the upcoming Şahinbey-Polateli Organized Industrial Zone to solve current workshop and employment shortages.

• Competitiveness: He stressed the need for lower input costs, better access to credit, and a shift toward R&D, innovation, fashion, and design to move beyond price-based competition.

• Digital Trade: He urged firms to utilize e-commerce and e-exporting to capitalize on the rapidly growing global digital market.

Hakan Aslansoy – Deputy Mayor & GSO Board Member

"The ready-to-wear industry is labor-intensive, making a massive contribution to our city's economy. In a world where cities compete, it is our common goal to make Gaziantep a branded city through its industrial and gastronomic excellence."

Hüseyin Öztürk – President of the Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Federation (MHGF)

"To compete with global brands, we must focus on branding ourselves. By uniting and producing high-value-added products, we can reach a much more competitive position."

Mehmet Kurt – President of PENKON

"This fair is a vital opportunity to showcase where the textile and garment sector stands today and to strengthen future collaborations. Every participating company is a part of this great success."

Hülya Akkaya – Chairwoman of Akort Exhibition

"PENTEX is not just a platform for new products; it is a meeting point for sharing experience and knowledge. Gaziantep has the potential to guide the future of textile and garment production, and every step taken here brings the city closer to becoming the shining star of the industry."

About the Fair

The 10th PENTEX Fair features a wide range of products including children's wear, menswear, combed cotton (penye) products, fabrics, and garment sub-industry materials.

• Scale: The event hosts 80 participating companies representing 270 brands.

• Geography: Participants include firms from Gaziantep, Istanbul, Mersin, Kilis, Kahramanmaraş, Konya, and Adana.