The Ordinary General Assembly of the Istanbul Carpet Exporters’ Association (İHİB) was held with the participation of industry representatives. As a result of the election, Faik Topak was elected as the new Chairman of the Board, while Ahmet Hayri Diler, who had been in office for four years, handed over the position.
Diler: “We focused on strengthening the sector internationally”
Speaking at the general assembly, Ahmet Hayri Diler stated that during his term, they carried out efforts to strengthen the global position of the Turkish carpet industry. Emphasising that bringing the International Carpet and Flooring Expo to Türkiye was an important step, Diler noted that they conducted extensive international engagements to enhance the fair’s global profile and achieved increases in both exhibitor and visitor numbers.
Diler also stated that the sector’s visibility was increased through trade delegations, Turquality projects and international organisations; that ICOC was brought back to Istanbul after many years, and that sectoral challenges were addressed through workshops. Evaluating his term, Diler underlined that the sector must now focus not only on production but also on value-added exports.
Topak: “Value-oriented growth will be the priority in the new term”
New Chairman Faik Topak stated that the initiatives carried out in the previous term had delivered significant gains for the sector. He emphasised that bringing the International Carpet and Flooring Expo to Türkiye was a strategic development.
Topak highlighted that in the new term they will place greater emphasis on design, branding and value-added production; and noted that digitalisation, sustainability and next-generation marketing methods will be among their key priorities. In his post-election remarks, Topak stated that they aim to move the sector forward through unity and collaboration. It was also noted that the new board will continue its work with an approach that is more responsive, solution-oriented and closely connected to the needs of its members.
