As Georgia rapidly emerges as a new hub for textile and fashion innovation, global investors are turning their attention to this strategically located country. In a recent interview with Kohan Textile Journal, Sophio Angholadze, Chairwoman of the Georgian Fashion Designers Association (GAFA), offered key insights into the transformation of Georgia’s apparel ecosystem, government support programs, challenges in workforce development, and future trade collaborations—particularly with Turkey.
Georgia’s Strategic Location and Growing Appeal
According to Ms. Angholadze, Georgia’s geographic location is one of its strongest assets. “We are a bridge between East and West,” she said. “This gives us the ability to collaborate easily with both sides and opens the door for global businesses to establish a presence in a manageable and investor-friendly environment.”
Georgia has seen a surge in textile industry interest over the past eight years, driven by both public and private sector initiatives. The government’s proactive stance in promoting fashion and textile manufacturing—combined with the energy and ambition of the country’s designers—has turned Georgia into an emerging fashion and manufacturing hub.
Investment Incentives and Government Support
To support this growth, the Georgian government has launched a series of incentives aimed at attracting foreign investment to the textile and garment sector. Sophio explained, “There is a dedicated government agency that supports both import and export activities. What started as a program for large enterprises has now expanded to include small and medium-sized companies.”
Key government initiatives include low-interest business loans, substantial grants to support international exhibition participation, and full coverage of booth and travel expenses for export-ready manufacturers. Georgia has also prioritized the textile sector in its national development agenda, viewing it as a strategic industry alongside construction and agriculture.
One of the boldest initiatives under development is the creation of a national “Made in Georgia” label, modeled after Italy’s brand reputation. “We are working to develop a national identity for our products. The ambition is to one day have the same credibility that ‘Made in Italy’ brings,” Sophio added.
Navigating Challenges: Talent and Quality Management
While Georgia offers fertile ground for textile investment, there are still challenges—particularly in human capital development. “One of the biggest gaps is in middle management and quality control,” Sophio admitted. “As the industry grows rapidly, it becomes vital to invest in training programs and professional standards.”
However, she remains optimistic. “Georgia is a small country. That means we can control things better. It’s manageable. And the foundation already exists—we are not starting from zero.”
In fact, the Georgian government, in partnership with European agencies, is developing a national quality certification body. This project will establish rigorous standards for labor and product output, opening the door for manufacturers across the region—including those from Moldova, Ukraine, and Armenia—to certify their goods through Georgian institutions.
A Vibrant SME Ecosystem and International Recognition
Unlike other textile hubs dominated by massive factories, Georgia’s fashion and textile landscape is shaped by a diverse mix of small and medium-sized enterprises. “It’s a very colorful picture,” Sophio said. “We have brands featured in Paris, London, and Tokyo Fashion Weeks, as well as new military uniform manufacturers attracting international orders.”
Big names are taking notice. According to Sophio, brands like Boss and even Zara are exploring production opportunities in Georgia’s eight free trade zones.
The collaborative spirit is also reflected in GAFA’s mission—to connect fashion designers, manufacturers, and buyers into a united export-oriented platform. “Together, we are stronger. GAFA was built to bring all industry stakeholders under one umbrella, share resources, and enter new markets as a team.”
Sustainability, Recycling, and Regional Cooperation
Sophio emphasized that Georgia’s fashion ecosystem is not just about production—it’s also deeply committed to sustainability. “We are starting smart. Since we are building everything anew, we are integrating sustainability from the beginning.”
A notable example is Georgia’s national waste management initiative in Rustavi, which has begun to collect and sort fabric waste, plastic, paper, and other recyclables. “We are even exploring the possibility of selling our textile waste to Turkish recyclers in exchange for fabric imports. It’s a circular model that could strengthen regional trade,” she said.
This aligns with European standards, and Georgia is now working on offering green labels and environmental certifications for apparel products—both for domestic producers and neighboring countries.
Turkey–Georgia Collaboration: A Natural Partnership
On the topic of cross-border trade, Sophio sees immense potential for deepening ties between Georgia and Turkey. “Everything we buy from China comes through Turkey. We have a long-standing customs and trade agreement that makes trade between the two countries efficient and cost-effective.”
With Turkey currently exploring alternative markets such as Egypt for textile production due to economic pressures, she suggests that Georgia might offer a more controllable and geographically favorable option. “We share borders. We have logistics, skilled labor, and favorable tax policies. It’s time to rethink how we position Georgia in Turkey’s sourcing and investment strategy.”
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, GAFA is actively preparing a large regional delegation to attend B2B meetings in Sweden, featuring companies from Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, and Moldova. At the same time, Georgia is expanding its capabilities in digital transformation, fashion innovation, and green manufacturing.
“We want to build a name for Georgia—not just as a textile supplier, but as a quality, sustainable, and agile manufacturing partner for the world,” Sophio concluded.
