On April 13, the International Trade Centre (ITC) held a seminar in Ashgabat for representatives of the Turkmen private sector as part of the EU-funded project “Turkmenistan: Trade Sustainability and Integration.” 29 representatives of small and medium-sized businesses operating in the textile and clothing industries attended the event. The seminar focused on issues aimed at increasing the export readiness of local entrepreneurs and companies and expanding their opportunities to enter the EU market.
During the sessions, participants learned about current trends in the EU textile and clothing market, sustainable production issues in the context of the European Green Deal, certification requirements, and the expectations of European buyers.
Particular attention was paid to practical business development tools. Participants explored approaches to developing seasonal collections based on Spring-Summer 2027 trends, assortment planning, product category management, and adapting designs to target market needs. Separate sessions focused on visual merchandising, brand positioning, and creating a compelling brand story for an international audience.
The seminar program also included recommendations for effectively preparing for international industry exhibitions, including “Who’s Next” in Paris, where companies need to not only showcase their products but also establish direct contacts with potential buyers and partners. In the final practical session, private sector representatives received targeted recommendations on preparing for the exhibition, strengthening their market positioning, and further developing export opportunities.
The knowledge and recommendations gained will help companies refine their collections, strengthen their brands, and prepare for collaboration with international partners. The event marked another step in supporting Turkmen small and medium-sized private sector enterprises in creating products with higher benefit and exploring new export markets.
This project, funded by the European Union, aims to promote economic development and decent work in Turkmenistan by improving the business climate and enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs. The project will facilitate Turkmenistan’s participation in regional and global trade, including with the European Union.
