Aiming at facilitating cooperation between European and Ukrainian textile and apparel companies, EURATEX has launched its EU-Ukraine Textile Initiative (EUTI).
As per the association, EUTI offers a single contact point for Ukrainian companies who seek support and cooperation with EU counterparts, and vice versa. That connection will be helpful to match supply and demand (e.g., there are many requests for supplies of fabrics), engage in public procurement, offer company-to-company support.
The service will be coordinated by EURATEX in close cooperation with UKRLEGPROM, Ukrainian Association of Enterprises of Textile & Leather Industry.
Olena Garkusha, an experienced manager coming from the Ukrainian textile industry and now based in Brussels, will act as contact point, as informed by EURATEX.
It’s worth noting here that EU’s exports to Ukraine reached € 1.3 billion in 2021 (13th largest market), whereas imports from Ukraine reached € 500 million (21st largest place). EURATEX believes there is potential to expand that relationship, both in the short term – to respond to urgent needs, e.g., in military and medical fabrics – and in the longer run; as partner in the PEM Convention, Ukraine can play an important role in Europe’s textile and apparel supply chain.
The proposed suspension of tariffs on imported products from Ukraine by the EU will offer further opportunities.
Dirk Vantyghem, Director General, EURATEX, commented, “Supporting the textile industry is our way to help the people of Ukraine. We encourage our European members to connect via EUTI and develop sustainable partnerships.”
Tetyana Izovit, President-Chief of the Board of UKRLEGPROM welcomed the initiative and said, “Today, we have many textile and apparel companies in Ukraine with expertise and skilled workers; they are able and willing to work with EU, but lack the contacts, customers and supplies. EUTI will help them.”
