Brasil International Conference 2026 to discuss innovation and competitiveness in the textile industry
The textile and apparel industry will gather in Fortaleza, Ceará, for the Brazil International Conference 2026. Under the theme “Future in Motion: Transformation, Innovation and New Realities”, the event will take place on 14 and 15 October at the Fortaleza Convention Center.
The conference is organized by Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association), together with the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF). The event is supported by Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program), which operates through a partnership between the Association and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).
The program will bring together executives, manufacturers, researchers and leaders from different countries to discuss trends and challenges affecting the global value chain. Topics include artificial intelligence, circularity, smart materials, digitalization and production efficiency. Talks, presentations and panel discussions are expected to contribute to the debate and support strategic decisions about the sector’s future.
The program addresses geopolitics, fibers and new markets
On 14 October, the program will open with the talk “Geopolitics and Geoeconomics: Trends in a Changing World”. The first panel will then discuss “The New Geography of Industry & Opportunities for Emerging Economies”.
The day’s agenda also includes a presentation on “Future of Fibers” and the talk “Productive Models – Speed, Flexibility & Proximity to the Market”.
On 15 October, the ITMF Awards Ceremony will take place, followed by the panel “Trade & Regulation: The New Landscape”. The program will also feature discussions on changes in market behavior, as well as capabilities, the integrated value chain and investment opportunities in Brazil.
Brazil in the global industry spotlight
For Fernando Pimentel, Abit’s Superintendent Director, the conference will provide a forum for reflection and for charting a course for the sector amid global transformations. According to him, the event also offers an opportunity to strengthen the industry and enhance its competitiveness.
The executive highlights the integration of Brazil’s textile and apparel value chain, spanning everything from fiber production to retail, as a competitive advantage for the country. He also stresses the importance of considering the impact of these changes on workers: the Brazilian textile and apparel industry accounts for 1.34 million direct jobs.
“Aligning innovation and productivity with inclusion and prosperity is essential,” says Pimentel, arguing that competitiveness and social responsibility must advance together.
Conference expands international connections
According to Lilian Kaddissi, Abit’s Marketing and Business Superintendent, the partnership with ITMF and IAF broadens the international reach of this edition. The event is expected to bring together strategic partners and strengthen dialogue among representatives from across the global textile and apparel value chain.
Julieta Pagliuca, Abit’s Business Development and Events Manager, has followed the conference since its first edition. In her view, co-hosting the event with the two international organizations marks a new step in its development and helps ensure that the program addresses the industry’s current challenges.
About Abit
The Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), founded on February 21, 1957, is one of the most important entities among the country’s economic sectors. It represents the productive power of 25.7 thousand companies installed throughout the national territory, of all sizes, which employ more than 1.34 million workers and generate, together, an annual revenue (in 2024) of BRL 221 billion.
About Texbrasil
The Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program (Texbrasil) works with companies in the textile and apparel sector to develop strategies to conquer the global market. Over more than 25 years, it has assisted about 2,000 brands to enter the export track, generating US$ 11 billion in business. The Program is conducted through a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).
To participate, companies must fill out this form or contact the Relationship department: texbrasil@abit.org.br.
About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors <u>of the Brazilian economy. To achieve these objectives</u>, ApexBrasil carries out diversified trade promotion actions aimed at promoting exports and enhancing the value of Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business roundtables, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, and visits by foreign buyers and opinion leaders to get to know the Brazilian productive structure, among other business platforms that also aim to strengthen brand Brazil.
The <u>Agency</u> also works in coordination with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors for developing the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.
Learn more about ApexBrasil.