Brussels-based Euratex has launched the EU-Ukraine Textile Initiative (EUTI) aiming to facilitate cooperation between European and Ukrainian textile and apparel companies.

EUTI offers a single contact point for Ukrainian companies seeking support and cooperation with EU counterparts, and vice versa. The connection will be helpful to match supply and demand –there are many requests for supplies of fabrics – engage in public procurement, and offer company-to-company support.

The service will be coordinated by Euratex in close cooperation with Ukrlegprom, the Ukrainian Association of enterprises of the textiles amd leather industry. Olena Garkusha, an experienced manager from the Ukrainian textile industry and now based in Brussels will act as contact point at [email protected].

EU exports to Ukraine reached €1.3 billion in 2021 and imports from Ukraine reached €500 million. There is potential to expand that relationship, both in the short term – to respond to urgent needs such as in military and medical fabrics – but also in the longer run. As partner in the PEM Convention, Ukraine can play an important role in Europe’s textile and apparel supply chain. The proposed suspension of tariffs on imported products from Ukraine by the EU will offer further opportunities.

 “Supporting the textile industry is our way to help the people of Ukraine,” said Euratex director general Dirk Vantyghem “We encourage our European members to connect via EUTI and develop sustainable partnerships.”

“Today, we have many textile and  apparel  companies in Ukraine with expertise and skilled workers,” said Tetyana Izovit, president of Ukrlegprom, in welcoming the initiative. “They are able and willing to work with the EU, but lack the contacts, customers and supplies. EUTI will help them.”

www.euratex.eu