EU-Backed METAMORPHOSIS project boosts turkish apparel sector
Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB) has reaffirmed its commitment to digitalization and sustainability with the successful completion of the METAMORPHOSIS Project. This initiative, carried out under the European Union’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA-2) program, aims to enhance Türkiye’s apparel industry by fostering digital transformation and sustainable practices.
Speaking at the closing event, İHKİB’s Mustafa Paşahan highlighted the project’s significance in positioning Türkiye as a leader in global trade. “Although we have faced cyclical challenges over the past two years, we take a long-term perspective. Apparel will remain crucial for the Turkish economy for many years to come. With this awareness, we are establishing an infrastructure that will strengthen our position in global trade,” he stated.
Digital and Green Transformation at the Forefront
The METAMORPHOSIS Project, implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, received a €10.4 million grant from the EU. Key achievements include:
- A comprehensive analysis of Türkiye’s apparel and textile sectors.
- Development of a Digital Transformation Roadmap aligned with the EU Digital Single Market Strategy.
- Digital Fashion Design Training for 125 SME representatives.
- Digital Maturity Assessments for 60 SMEs.
- Social compliance consultancy and quality standard testing for over 100 SMEs.
- R&D efforts focused on Turkish organic cotton.
One of the project’s major milestones was the launch of the Digital Transformation Center (DDM) in 2022, which serves as an authorized assessor for businesses seeking digital maturity evaluations and investment planning support.
Expanding EU Support for Sustainability Initiatives
Paşahan emphasized İHKİB’s commitment to sustainability, noting that the association will launch a “Carbon Footprint Monitoring and Reduction” project later this year. The EU’s total financial support for digital and green transformation initiatives in Türkiye has reached €37 million, providing vital resources for industry-wide innovation and branding.
“Price-based competition is no longer viable,” Paşahan remarked. “Our future lies in value-added production, design, innovation, and branding. Turkish apparel brands operate over 3,000 stores in more than 100 countries, and our performance in digitalization and sustainability will determine our position in the global fashion industry.”
EU-Türkiye Collaboration Continues
Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, Zekeriya Coştu, outlined the broader impact of EU-funded initiatives, noting that Türkiye has utilized €400 million of EU funds for 46 projects under IPA-1. The ongoing IPA-2 phase, which includes 43 projects focused on R&D, innovation, and digital transformation, has a budget of €260 million.
Jurgis Vilcinskas, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, commended Türkiye’s progress in aligning its textile and apparel sectors with EU sustainability goals. “Since 2007, the EU has invested €780 million under the IPA programs to enhance Türkiye’s industrial competitiveness and innovation. Our collaboration with İHKİB continues to evolve, paving the way for a digital, sustainable, and innovative future.”
Download Our Free Magazine
Get Industry Insights, Trends & Latest Innovations in the Textile & Apparel Industry
