Choi Byung‑oh, chairman of the Korea Federation of Textile Industries, met with Cem Altan, former president of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), to discuss how the Iran crisis is affecting the textile and fashion sector—and how to strengthen cooperation across global supply chains.
Founded in 1972 and based in Amsterdam, the IAF is a leading global apparel-industry organization. It brings together 59 member groups, companies, and related institutions across more than 40 countries.
Choi stressed that textile and apparel manufacturers must move beyond being mere subcontractors and become strategic partners to fashion brands by providing data and standards. He called on the IAF to help establish unified global standards for fair trade and supply-chain transparency, noting that rules currently differ by country and by buyer—citing the EU’s EcoDesign regulation (ESPR) and the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). He also said he will actively tap the IAF’s broad global network and pool of experts to support Korean fashion brands entering European and U.S. markets.
Altan said the visit highlighted Korea’s manufacturing capabilities and K‑fashion’s ambition to go global. He added that the IAF, as a collective of specialists in global fashion education and consulting, can work with the Korea Federation of Textile Industries to expand collaboration on global marketing and education infrastructure.
By Young‑guk Ahn
