During the 36th edition of ColombiaModa in Medellín, one of South America’s most prominent fashion and textile exhibitions, Kohan Textile Journal had the opportunity to interview Mr. Muhammet Hartavi, the Turkish Commercial Counsellor in Bogotá. Mr. Hartavi offered valuable insights into the Colombian textile market and emphasized the strategic opportunities it presents for Turkish exporters and manufacturers.
ColombiaModa: A Gateway to Latin America
“ColombiaModa is one of the top two most significant trade shows in Colombia,” Mr. Hartavi noted. “It caters to all segments of the value chain—yarn, fabric, apparel—and attracts buyers from across the region, including Peru, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.” He praised the fair’s well-established history and its increasing appeal among Turkish companies, with 16 firms participating this year.
According to Mr. Hartavi, the consistent growth in Turkish company participation reflects a broader shift toward exploring new geographies due to market saturation in traditional destinations such as Europe. “Latin America, and especially Colombia, offers untapped potential that must be prioritized by our exporters.”
Opportunities Across the Value Chain
While Colombia enforces protectionist policies to support its domestic textile sector, Mr. Hartavi acknowledged that the country still lacks sufficient capacity and development—particularly in fabric manufacturing. “This gap opens real opportunities for Turkish producers, especially in fabrics. Our companies are more competitive in terms of quality and price,” he stated.
He also identified significant growth areas in textile machinery and pointed out that ColombiaModa, more than Colombiatex, may be particularly suited for machinery sector companies targeting Latin America.
Colombia’s Economic Climate
Mr. Hartavi emphasized Colombia’s stable macroeconomic environment, young and growing population, and open trade policies. “Its foreign trade regime is transparent and predictable, offering ease in business transactions,” he added. However, he cautioned that companies must be prepared to face competition from Far East and European suppliers already active in the region.
Government Support and Market Recognition
An important takeaway from the interview was the strong backing of Turkey’s Ministry of Commerce, especially under the “Distant Countries Strategy.” According to Mr. Hartavi, companies participating in trade fairs in Colombia can benefit from up to 75% government support, making events like ColombiaModa and Colombiatex even more accessible.
He also stressed the positive image of Turkish products, especially in the textile and apparel segments. “Turkish goods are perceived as high quality and flexible in production. There’s no prejudice like with other low-cost markets, and Turkish products are sometimes even compared to Italian quality,” Mr. Hartavi explained.
Colombia as a Regional Hub
“Colombia should not be viewed in isolation,” Mr. Hartavi asserted. “It offers seamless access to the Andean countries and Latin American markets due to its strong regional economic connections and favorable free zone regime. This makes it an ideal base for reaching nearby countries.”
Looking Ahead to Colombiatex 2026
With strong interest already shown for Colombiatex in January 2026, Mr. Hartavi expressed optimism about the future. “We saw significant satisfaction from Turkish firms at ColombiaModa. I expect even stronger participation next year. Our visibility and impact in this region will continue to grow.”
🎥 Watch the full interview video on YOUTUBE!
