Swiss Textiles International
The trade association working globally on behalf of its members
From trade delegations to attractive markets and European sister associations to international chambers of commerce: one of our most important tasks is to connect our members with one another and with relevant partners. We do this both at home and abroad. We champion the industry’s interests and influence policy at national and European level. The photo gallery in this dossier takes you on a tour of the year’s most important visits.
Merhaba from Istanbul! In May, the Joint Economic Commission took place in the Turkish capital. Swiss Textiles took part and raised the concerns of the Swiss textile and clothing industry.
The main focus was on PEM cumulation – that is, the revised rules of origin – as well as simplified export procedures, such as the ‘Exporters Registry Form’.
Merhaba from Istanbul! In May, the Joint Economic Commission took place in the Turkish capital. Swiss Textiles took part and raised the concerns of the Swiss textile and clothing industry.
The main focus was on PEM cumulation – that is, the revised rules of origin – as well as simplified export procedures, such as the ‘Exporters Registry Form’.
Why Turkey is relevant: It ranks among the five most important trading partners of the Swiss textile and clothing industry. Throughout the entire production cycle, there are a wide range of opportunities for collaboration for companies in this sector – from development through to production and further processing.
Added to this is its geographical proximity: this makes nearshoring particularly attractive for companies – that is, the relocation of tasks, services or production stages closer to the home market.
Why Turkey is relevant: It ranks among the five most important trading partners of the Swiss textile and clothing industry. Throughout the entire production cycle, there are a wide range of opportunities for collaboration for companies in this sector – from development through to production and further processing.
Added to this is its geographical proximity: this makes nearshoring particularly attractive for companies – that is, the relocation of tasks, services or production stages closer to the home market.
Dobar dan from Sarajevo! As part of the Swiss BiH Forum 2026, organised by the Swiss Embassy in the Bosnian capital this June, Swiss Textiles visited the local textile and clothing industry.
The programme for the five-day trip included, amongst other things, visits to member companies Forster Rohner and Tissa Textiles, as well as meetings with the Chamber of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Trade, during which Swiss Textiles raised issues relating to trade. These included, for example, Bosnia’s free trade agreement and the extension of full cumulation under the PEM Agreement.
Dobar dan from Sarajevo! As part of the Swiss BiH Forum 2026, organised by the Swiss Embassy in the Bosnian capital this June, Swiss Textiles visited the local textile and clothing industry.
The programme for the five-day trip included, amongst other things, visits to member companies Forster Rohner and Tissa Textiles, as well as meetings with the Chamber of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Trade, during which Swiss Textiles raised issues relating to trade. These included, for example, Bosnia’s free trade agreement and the extension of full cumulation under the PEM Agreement.
Historically, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland have had close ties: during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995, Switzerland took in around 30,000 refugees. Even after half of them had returned home, the close economic ties remained and continued to develop.
As a result, various Swiss textile companies have their clothing manufactured in Bosnia and Herzegovina or source workwear and protective clothing from there, such as Tissa. The industry association paid a visit to one of its members.
Historically, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland have had close ties: during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995, Switzerland took in around 30,000 refugees. Even after half of them had returned home, the close economic ties remained and continued to develop.
As a result, various Swiss textile companies have their clothing manufactured in Bosnia and Herzegovina or source workwear and protective clothing from there, such as Tissa. The industry association paid a visit to one of its members.
It is no coincidence that the Swiss textile and clothing industry has chosen this Balkan country as a location: geographical proximity, short and straightforward decision-making processes with direct points of contact, and an almost family-like atmosphere in the factories are likely to have made the decision easier.
Whilst conditions are ideal for smaller or specialised production runs, prices for mass production, on the other hand, are once again almost too high and therefore unattractive to clients. Pictured here: Member Forster Rohner gave Swiss Textiles a tour of his production facilities.
It is no coincidence that the Swiss textile and clothing industry has chosen this Balkan country as a location: geographical proximity, short and straightforward decision-making processes with direct points of contact, and an almost family-like atmosphere in the factories are likely to have made the decision easier.
Whilst conditions are ideal for smaller or specialised production runs, prices for mass production, on the other hand, are once again almost too high and therefore unattractive to clients. Pictured here: Member Forster Rohner gave Swiss Textiles a tour of his production facilities.