On 03.06.2026, in Zurich, within the event “Building Export Promotion System that Lasts – From Collaboration to Durable Impact”, organized by the SIPPO Import Promotion Programme as part of the SIPPO Import Forum 2026, an exchange of experiences and discussions on sustainability and digitalization took place, bringing together representatives from the business community and export support institutions from all countries where SIPPO provides active support.

The aim of the event was to foster the development of a sustainable and effective export promotion system through the exchange of good practices, industry insights, and real-sector examples, as well as by strengthening cooperation among relevant stakeholders and business support organizations.

The programme included presentations of industry perspectives and practical examples, followed by group discussions focused on identifying key challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for further development of export support provided by clusters, associations, and other business support organizations.

As part of the event, during the breakout sessions involving targeted organizations, with the aim of exchanging experiences and initiating new cooperation opportunities, the Textile Trade Centre (TTC) – Textile Cluster, together with SIPPO North Macedonia, delivered a presentation titled “Export Promotion Policy and Strategy”. The presentation highlighted North Macedonian experiences, policies, and strategies aimed at improving the export competitiveness of the national textile sector. Additionally, a case study was presented on the advocacy role of the TTC – Textile Cluster in the field of industrial textile waste management and the opportunities for its recycling.

Within the conference, dissemination of the projects VERDEinMED and MISSION4WATER, currently implemented by the Textile Trade Association – Textile Cluster, was also carried out. The projects were presented and discussed during the networking with the other BSOs from Balkan countries and around the world as initiatives aimed at advancing the circular economy in the textile sector through improved textile waste management (VERDEinMED) and the reduction of water pollution caused by microplastics (MISSION4WATER), with the objective of promoting sustainable and innovative industrial practices. Additionally, the project presentations highlighted their practical contribution to the development of sustainable industrial solutions, as well as their role in fostering innovation and raising awareness among stakeholders on the importance of circular and environmental practices in the textile sector.

The event concluded with meetings with companies from the service and industrial sectors that have already implemented digitalization and sustainability practices in their operations.

This two-day event provided an opportunity for valuable knowledge exchange among participating organizations, networking, and the identification of potential opportunities for future cooperation.