On 7 October 2025, a seminar titled “Textile Sector Development and Promotion of Global Integration” was held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Baku, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Textile Association (ATA), the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO).
The event marked a strategic milestone in Azerbaijan’s integration into the international textile ecosystem and opened a new chapter in the country’s journey to become a global textile hub.

During the seminar, a Tripartite Action Plan was signed by Dr. Christian Schindler, Director General of ITMF, Tural Hacılı, Deputy Executive Director of AZPROMO, and Farida Akhundova, Executive Director of ATA.
The document sets out concrete steps aimed at aligning Azerbaijan’s textile industry with international standards, promoting sustainability and traceability, increasing export potential, and strengthening the competitiveness of local production.
The Action Plan also serves as a roadmap toward hosting the Annual ITMF Conference in Azerbaijan in 2029, outlining a coordinated framework of measures necessary to achieve this goal.

Dr. Christian Schindler, Director General of ITMF, stated:
“Azerbaijan’s textile industry is already recognized regionally, but its potential clearly extends to the global stage. The progress we see here, along with a young and innovative generation of professionals, will place Azerbaijan firmly on the international textile map. We look forward to seeing Azerbaijan become an active member of the ITMF family.”

Tural Hacılı, Deputy Executive Director of AZPROMO, emphasized:
“Within the government’s policy of industrial and export diversification, the textile sector is among the top priorities. Through this cooperation plan, we aim to expand access to international markets while ensuring local producers adapt to global standards. Collaboration with such a prestigious partner as ITMF will further strengthen trust in the Azerbaijan Export Brand.”

Farida Akhundova, Executive Director of ATA, highlighted in her speech that ITMF is not only a professional association but also a strategic platform shaping global policies, investment, and sustainability in the textile value chain:
“This is the first ITMF event ever held in Azerbaijan — a symbolic beginning of our country’s inclusion on the international textile map. Our goal is to work with global partners to make Azerbaijan’s textile industry competitive, transparent, and inspiring.”

The seminar’s agenda featured panel discussions on topics such as “Global Textile Trends and Sustainability,” “ESG and Certification,” “Legislative Proposals and Textile Vision 2030 Roadmap,” and “Azerbaijan Textile Market: Current Situation and Prospects.”
Experts exchanged views on export growth, green production models, and digital transformation.

Among the speakers were Emin Mammadov, Chairman of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, who spoke about preserving carpet weaving traditions and reviving silk production; and Johannes Heere, Chairman of GP Cotton Holdings, who emphasized that a new era in textile manufacturing is beginning in Azerbaijan, driven by the country’s geographical advantages, human capital, and growing investment in innovation.

The event brought together representatives from government, business, international organizations, and NGOs, including:
Dr. Christian Schindler (ITMF), Emin Mammadov (“Azerkhalcha” OJSC), Tural Hacılı (AZPROMO), Farida Akhundova (ATA), Johannes Heere (GP Cotton Holdings), Sevil Yahyayeva (Advisor to AZPROMO Executive Director), Anar Jabbarov (State Tax Service, Ministry of Economy), Elkhan Shiriyev (Deputy Head, Industrial Policy Department, Ministry of Economy), Elmar Isayev (Head of Secretariat, SME Agency – KOBIA), Amir Mammadov (Head of Strategic Projects Department, Economic Zones Development Agency), Rustam Aliyev (Head of Partner Relations Department, ABIF), Richard Morgan (Director, GiLTEX & Prime Cotton), Arzu Ardalı (Board Member, GiLTEX), Elnur Rahimov (Founder & CEO, Baku Tailoring House), Senan Nasibli (Representative of Dubai Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan), and Ashraf Hajiyev (Partner, SIAR Research & Consulting Group).

The seminar concluded with an inclusive dance performance by “DanceAbility Azerbaijan,” symbolizing the event’s commitment to social inclusion and equal opportunities.

This seminar marked a new stage in the development of Azerbaijan’s textile industry, laying the foundation for strategic partnerships in international cooperation, technological modernization, and sustainability.