Azerbaijan Textile Association Admitted as Member to International Textile Manufacturers Federation

The Azerbaijan Textile Association (ATA) has marked a significant strategic milestone in Azerbaijan's integration into the global textile value chain by officially becoming a member of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), one of the world's most influential industrial platforms.

Established in 1904, ITMF is one of the world's oldest international non-governmental organizations, operating as a global platform that unites the entire value chain of the textile industry—from raw materials to finished products. The Federation's main mission is to build connections among members, collect and share industry data, and represent the interests of the textile sector at an international level.

ATA's admission to this organization holds strategic importance not only for the Association but for Azerbaijan as a whole. This step makes a significant contribution to the development of the country's non-oil sector, the diversification of exports, and the integration of the industry into global markets.

As one of the main platforms representing the interests of the textile and apparel industry in the country, ATA operates towards the development of the sector, strengthening public-private sector dialogue, increasing production potential, and expanding international cooperation. Membership in ITMF further strengthens ATA's role in this direction and confirms the organization's commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and increasing global competitiveness.

Christian Schindler, Director General of ITMF, stated: “Welcoming the Azerbaijan Textile Association as a new member further strengthens ITMF's global network. Azerbaijan's textile sector has great development potential, and ATA's participation will make a significant contribution to deepening international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and integration into the global value chain.”

Farida Akhundova, Executive Director of ATA, said: “Membership in ITMF is a strategic turning point for Azerbaijan's textile industry. It expands local manufacturers' access to global markets, accelerates the adoption of international standards, and ensures the transfer of innovative approaches to the country. At the same time, this membership will play an important platform role in strengthening coordination between the public and private sectors and forming a unified development strategy for the sector.”

Within the ITMF framework, ATA and its member companies will benefit from the following opportunities:
• Access to new export markets and establishment of strategic partnerships.
• Access to global statistical data, analytical reports, and industry surveys;
• Direct contact and knowledge exchange with an international expert network;
• Information on global trends, innovations, and sustainability;
• Participation in international conferences and forums;

This membership also enables government agencies to make more accurate and internationally experienced-based decisions in shaping industrial policy, serving to align the country's industrial strategy with global trends.

For the private sector, this step opens up significant opportunities in terms of access to new markets, increasing competitiveness, and the adoption of technological and management practices.

ATA's membership in ITMF is regarded as a significant achievement towards strengthening Azerbaijan's textile sector's international position and positioning the country as a reliable and competitive partner in the global textile market.