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37th GAFSHOES: International Footwear and Leather Fair Opens in Gaziantep

The opening ceremony of the 37th GAFSHOES International Footwear, Slipper, Leather Goods, and Sub-Industry Summer Fair was held with the participation of the provincial protocol. Organized by Akort Exhibition with the support of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO), Gaziantep Chamber of Shoemakers, KOSGEB, and various industry federations and associations, the fair has officially opened its doors.

The fair aims to host approximately 30,000 visitors and will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM for four days.

Key Remarks from the Opening Ceremony

Kemal Çeber – Governor of Gaziantep

Governor Çeber highlighted Gaziantep’s role as an industrial engine for Turkey:

"Gaziantep is a pioneer in the footwear sector just as it is in all other industries. The GAFSHOES Fair is a vital platform that showcases our production potential and export capacity to the world. We are confident that this event will gain new markets for our industry."

Fatma Şahin – Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality

Mayor Şahin focused on the city’s future vision:

"Innovation and branding are shaping our future. Gaziantep holds immense potential in this sector, and we must take new steps in design and brand development. We will continue to empower our industries through these exhibitions."

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

Küçükparmak noted that Gaziantep ranks second in Turkey in the footwear and slipper industry, following Istanbul.

"In 2024, Gaziantep accounted for 12% of Turkey's total $1.086 billion shoe exports. However, due to rising costs, the competitiveness of our labor-intensive sectors against rival countries is rapidly decreasing. This makes branding and value-added production more critical than ever."

Industrial Zone Update: Küçükparmak shared that work continues on the Gaziantep Footwear, Slipper, and Sub-Industry Specialized Organized Industrial Zone. The first 88.8-hectare phase is nearing completion, and parcels will be delivered to firms by the end of 2025.

Hülya Akkaya – Chairwoman of Akort Exhibition

Akkaya emphasized that GAFSHOES has been organized in partnership with GSO for a quarter of a century:

"We are hosting delegations from various countries including Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Algeria, Kosovo, Romania, Tanzania, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Syria. Visitors will have the chance to examine countless products from nearly 100 participants and 300 brands."

Mehmet Akif Erbalcı – Vice President of the Gaziantep Chamber of Shoemakers

"In a challenging economic period, fairs are a statement of intent. Our artisans and producers find the opportunity to introduce themselves and establish new business connections here. As technology evolves rapidly, we must prepare our sector for this transition."

About the Fair

The 37th GAFSHOES Fair features a comprehensive range of industry products:

• Footwear: Men's, women's, children's, sports, safety, and military shoes.

• Sub-Industry: Soles, accessories, textiles, chemical substances, and raw materials (Eva, PVC, Polyurethane).

• Machinery & Materials: Leather production (bovine, sole leather), artificial leather, and auxiliary machinery products.