The opening ceremony of the 11th PENTEX Ready-to-Wear, Textile, and Technologies Fair was held with the participation of Gaziantep’s provincial protocol. Organized by Akort Exhibition in collaboration with the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) and the Ready-to-Wear Garment and Manufacturing Association (PENKON), with the support of the Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Federation (MHGF), the fair opened its doors at the Gaziantep Middle East Exhibition Center (OFM).

The fair expects to host approximately 20,000 professional visitors and will be open from February 11–14, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Key Remarks from the Opening Ceremony

Kemal Çeber – Governor of Gaziantep

Governor Çeber praised the resilience of industrialists and exporters:

"Despite the global economic stagnation, our country and our producers have the power to overcome these challenges. We must be aware of our own strength. As long as we believe in ourselves and our state, success is inevitable. I see PENTEX as a vital organization in this regard and thank everyone who contributes to this city's growth."

Halil Uğur – Deputy Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality

Uğur emphasized the city's role as an attraction center:

"Gaziantep continues to be a pioneer in almost every field and serves as a model for regional industry. For fairs to be attractive, the city itself must be a center of attraction. We are working hard to carry this vision into the future."

Başar Küçükparmak – Vice Chairman of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO)

Küçükparmak highlighted the sector's growth despite organizing two PENTEX fairs within just 50 days to support industry development:

"In 2024, Gaziantep achieved $10 billion in exports, with a significant contribution from the ready-to-wear sector. In January 2025, the sector saw a 29% increase compared to the previous year, reaching $12 million in exports. Gaziantep currently ranks 8th in Turkey for ready-to-wear exports."

Critical Needs for the Sector:

• Costs: Küçükparmak called for support to lower input and logistics costs to ensure sustainability.

• Modernization: He urged firms to integrate technology with experience, focusing on branding and value-added production to increase competitiveness.

Mehmet Kurt – President of PENKON

"We are working to help our firms grow and increase their market share. The business connections made during this fair will serve as major steps for the future of our industry."

Orhan Akkaya – Board Member of Akort Exhibition

"The ready-to-wear and textile industry is the second-largest contributor to Turkey's exports after the automotive sector. PENTEX showcases the latest fashion trends and collections, facilitating vital international trade bridges."

Fair Profile

The 11th PENTEX Fair showcases combed cotton (penye), fabrics, ready-to-wear garments, and sub-industry products.

• Participants: 57 companies representing 220 brands.

• Regional Reach: In addition to Gaziantep-based firms, exhibitors arrived from Adana, Istanbul, Mersin, Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa, and Konya