We are on the eve of the biggest, most trend-setting and most successful fair in the history of our country on behalf of our ready-to-wear sector. Just a few years ago, this large organization, the first of which was implemented in a short time with sacrifice, unity of hands and unity of faith, and which we call Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), managed to become the largest ready-to-wear and fashion fair in Europe and the region in the first few years. Mr. Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Exporters Assembly and the Istanbul Garment Exporters Association (IHKIB), and Mr. Şekib Avdagiç, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO), have added an indescribable value to the brand value of our country and beautiful Istanbul, and continue to add this blessed organization, which includes us and all our regional associations, first of all. This important meeting, which is required by the developed ready-to-wear infrastructure, design skills, production power and unique supply chain of our country for decades, has turned into a mechanism that completely develops the strategies of exporting value-added products, branding, correct presentation and transportation to new Sundays of our country today. This fashion festival adds a great impetus as a sector for visitors from almost every country of the world to get to know Istanbul and Turkey, to grasp the level reached by our country in the fashion industry, and to achieve our goal of Turkey yielding a foreign trade surplus. As we have always said, the issue of creating a brand that has been popular in languages for many years and thus being able to export more valuable products starts with the branding of your country and city first. From this point of view, IFCO is carrying out a very, very important mission on behalf of our country. Today, Istanbul, which has reached a more advanced level in terms of fashion, design and ready-to-wear production than all cities such as Milan, Paris and London, is now rapidly progressing towards becoming an original city that sets trends and integrates it with its own name with this fair. This past knowledge, experience, technology and cultural development lie behind the rapid development of this fair.
Our Lalel, which is almost the pride of our country with the guests it welcomes from all over the world, will also take part in this fair with a great participation. While many brands from our region are adding strength to this fair, we, as LASIAD, are wholeheartedly supporting this cooperation, which will set a great example in our country. Now, without hesitation, with courage, with faith and with a strong voice, I am once again addressing all our stakeholders in the East and West. Now, the change and movement in fashion, design and ready-to-wear sector have completely come to an end. Now the leader of this business and this sector has been identified. The time has already come for this magnificent city, which no longer has a peer in the world like Istanbul, to become a flag carrier in the fashion sector. A city where the largest ready-to-wear and fashion fair in Europe is organized should now be referred to as the fashion capital of Europe and will be referred to as such from now on. An organization visited by ready-to-wear professionals looking for fashion and design from all corners of the world has now completely cost that city. It should be known that Istanbul, this ancient city of legendary beauty, is now the undisputed number one fashion center in Europe. With its history, culture, harmony and colors, 21. This city, which is the youngest determinant of fashion in a century, will present the civilization it received from Anatolia to the world with its unparalleled energy that unites Asia and Europe. We, as Laleli, will continue to pioneer this city fashion with ready-to-wear companies, hotels, logistics facilities and magnificent infrastructure located within the ancient walls, which we will call the heart of the city. Laleli will develop, Istanbul will grow. With the rise of Istanbul, our country will become a giant. In a Turkey that takes its rightful place in history, it will be at the forefront of all strategies and projects in the world.
While wishing our fair to be auspicious for our city and country again, I sincerely celebrate your August 30 Victory Day and remember all our martyrs and veterans, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his comrades-in-arms, with mercy and gratitude.
Giyasettin Eyyupkoca
