KOFOTI President visits Europe to boost K-fashion and address EU regulations

Choi Byung-oh, president of the Korea Federation of Textile Industries (KOFOTI), is undertaking a five-day visit to France, Italy, and Belgium starting June 10. The trip focuses on strengthening cooperation within the European market and addressing evolving EU regulations impacting the textile and fashion industry.

In Paris on June 11, Choi is scheduled to meet with leaders of three major French textile and fashion organizations: Olivier Ducatillon of the French Textile Industry Federation (UIT), Pierre-François Le Louët of the French Apparel and Fashion Industry Federation (UFIMH), and Yann Rivoallan of the French Ready-to-Wear Federation (FFPAPF). Discussions will center on future competitiveness, including sustainability (CSR), digital transformation (DX), and industrial innovation.

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The EU is the fourth-largest export market for Korea's textile and fashion industry after Vietnam, China, and the United States, and a key partner for the fashion industry. In particular, exports of K-fashion products to Italy are steadily increasing.

KOFOTI has maintained a partnership with the French Textile Industry Federation since signing an MOU in November 2023, collaborating on issues like digital product passports and eco-design regulations. The federation's engagement with Italy includes a meeting with Silvana Pezzoli, vice president of Confindustria Moda, on June 12 in Rome. This meeting will explore expanding high-end fashion sourcing, fostering high-value manufacturing, and building sustainable supply chains.

KOFOTI and Confindustria Moda have had an MOU since 2007, with Italy contributing to industry exchanges through the annual Italian Fashion Days in Korea. The final leg of Choi's tour is in Brussels from June 13-14. He will meet with Dirk Vantyghem, Secretary-General of EURATEX, and Pol Lombaert, Secretary-General of Centexbel, an EU research center for textiles. Key topics will include the implementation of the EU's "Sustainable Textiles Strategy," specifically the ESPR regulations, the proposed ban on forced labor, and supply chain transparency policies.

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This visit to France, Italy, and Belgium is expected to accelerate the expansion of K-fashion into the European market and provide an opportunity to systematically enhance cooperation between Korea and Europe.