Prima Civitas Foundation Press Release
January 31, 2012
EAST LANSING, MI - A coalition of representatives from Michigan's garment sector and economic development specialists will travel to Istanbul, Turkey to discuss joint plans for investment and development of an internationally connected garment industry.
The eight-day bilateral trade mission to Turkey is being organized by the Prima Civitas Foundation on behalf of the Michigan Garment Industry Council (MGIC). The Council is comprised of manufacturers, designers, academic experts, and others working to focus resources and investment on Michigan's emerging garment industry. The Prima Civitas Foundation (PCF) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) are lead facilitators of the Council. Joining the trade mission are the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments.
Michigan's "garment industry" encompasses products that include agricultural and textile fibers as well as fashion apparel and linens for hotels and hospitals. The weeklong trade mission is expected to forge new partnerships - and possible investment - in Michigan garment businesses. Council representatives plan to attend Istanbul Fashion Week and meet with Turkish businesses and investors as part of their visit.
Turkey's economy is booming - with an 8.2% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate in 2011. Turkey is also a fixture in the fashion world, drawing worldwide attention for their annual fashion shows and acclaimed designers. Michigan is also gaining attention internationally for its emerging garment and fashion industries and has a strong presence in Metro Detroit.
"Michigan's burgeoning garment industry offers a unique opportunity for international investment and diversified growth for the state's economy. Connecting with the Republic of Turkey will bring new ideas, best practices, and foreign investment to a sector that is poised for serious growth in the coming years, helping to create a Michigan 'brand,'" explains Eleanor Fuchs, Prima Civitas' coordinator of the Michigan Garment Industry Council.
With the assistance of Prima Civitas, the trip to Istanbul is spearheaded by Turkish representatives with strong Michigan ties, Ms. Sevtap Akgüloğlu and Ms. Nurten Ural. Ms. Akgüloğlu, a graduate of West Michigan University, is the Commercial and Cultural Attaché for the delegation. Ms Ural, a Michign State University alumnus, serves as Michigan's Honorary Consul General for Turkey and as a PCF Board Member. Both are eager to see the cultural and economic impacts that an international trade relationship could have for both economies.
"Our main objective is to introduce Michigan to successful Turkish garment industry businesses and encourage them to invest in Michigan for their locations and to partner with Michigan businesses to distribute products throughout the US," notes Consul General Ural.
The Michigan Coalition plans to return to Michigan in mid-February. For more information on the trip or to view a listing of Michigan Garment Industry Council partners, please visit http://bit.ly/trademission.
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