Turkish textile sector calls for government support
Source: CCPIT TEX Date: 2006-02-23
Turkey's textile firms called on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government to protect the sector from increasing foreign competition, Turkish Daily News reported on Tuesday.
The Turkish government has created economic stability with its reform policies, but 2.5 million people in the textile industry face losing their jobs, Turkish Clothing Manufacturers Association (TGSD) Chairwoman Aynur Bektas was quoted as saying.
The ready-wear clothing sector in Turkey suffers the most from unfair tax burdens, according to the Chairwoman.
Turkey's textile sector has been a strong provider of employment for many years and the government should heed the calls from the sector.
"The textile manufacturing sector is losing blood," said Bektas."Meanwhile the government, which for two years has offered help with a teaspoon, is trying to collect revenue with a ladle."
She warned that the government would see a much worse situation in six months if it did not act now.
