Istanbul International Home Textile Exhibition (EVTEKS), one of the world's two largest home textile exhibitions, opened its doors for the 24th time. 150.000 national and international visitors are expected to visit the exhibition hosting 2.000 brands from 800 companies. At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Economy Fatih Metin said, "As the Ministry, we give full support. You have the potential to surpass $3 billion exports targeted for this year."

The 24th Istanbul International Home Textile Exhibition (EVTEKS), one of the two largest exhibitions in its field in the world where all the innovations in the home textile industry are displayed, opened its doors in CNR EXPO Yesilkoy. The exhibition organized by ITF Istanbul Trade Fairs operating under CNR Holding in cooperation with the Association of Turkish Home Textile Industrialists and Businessmen (TETSİAD) will be open until April 28. Deputy Minister of Economy Fatih Metin, AK Party Deputy of Denizli Şahin Tin, Governor of Istanbul Vasip Şahin, TETSİAD Chairman Ali Sami Aydin and Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association (İTHİB) President Ahmet Öksüz participated the opening ceremony hosted by CNR Holding Chairman Ceyda Erem.

Full support to companies expanding to new markets
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Economy Fatih Metin said that the world home textiles market was worth $66 billion. Stating that Turkey had achieved $2.6 billion export volume in the home textile industry last year, and aimed to increase it to $3 billion this year, he continued his words adding, "We rank third place in the world home textile industry. However, we have the potential to do even better because we continuously renew ourselves regarding design and innovation. As the Ministry, we also give full support to design and innovation to promote the exports. That's why you have the potential and support to surpass $3 billion in exports. Benefit from these supports." Stating that companies should not only focus on the European Union and US markets, Metin emphasized that expanding to new markets will be fully supported.

From 600 sqm. to 160.000 sqm.
Cem Şenel, General Coordinator of CNR Holding, said that EVTEKS organized for the first time 24 years ago had opened in an area of 600 sqm, today it has reached a record-breaking 160.000 sqm. Senel said, "130.000 people of which 40.000 were international, visited EVTEKS last year. We are expecting the participation of 150.000 national and international industry professionals this year. There are nearly 2.000 brands from 800 companies in the exhibition for visitors from 120 different countries including Germany, Italy, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. This year, with the support of the Ministry of Economy, the procurement committee of approximately 300 people from 48 countries will carry out 'B2B Bilateral Business Talks' with participating companies."

“EVTEKS is home textile industry's gateway to the world”
TETSİAD Chairman Ali Sami Aydın stated that EVTEKS was Turkish home textile industry's gateway to the world, and emphasized its importance in the cultural and design sense. Aydin said, "The awakening of nature in April offering fresh starts and vivacity inspires us. For this reason, we are organizing "EVTEKS with the April Effect" in April. In 2019, the world will be using our designs and products in home textiles. And the address for this will be EVTEKS. Our 2019 designs will meet the visitors for the first time in this exhibition."

Fragrant curtains will change the air of the homes
World-known innovation and creativity agency Nelly Rodi has set EVTEKS fashion and trend theme of this year as 'Fascination.' In the exhibition, new products with Fresh Light, Imaginary, Signature and Full Sun trends in line with the "Fascination" theme will be displayed to the liking of visitors including fragrant curtains freshening up the air, and fire-resistant upholstery.