Stating that the ongoing ‘platform wars’ between the textile and apparel sectors harms both sides, Zafer Çağlayan, Minister of Economy, stated that he finds these conflicts unnecessary and unbecoming. Çağlayan, who answered our questions at the press conference held on the viscose fiber production facility that will be established by the Indian investment company Aditya Birla Group in Adana, warned the textile and apparel sectors. Çağlayan stated that considering the conflict of interest within the sector, different opinions should be reacted normally and that he evaluates the situation in terms of the general economy of the country. Stating that they aim for more employment and less foreign trade deficit, Çağlayan said; “I think that they should stop these charges, otherwise will be confronted by the banks. They are about to make a big mistake. They should put an end to these meaningless conflict between the sectors and join hands.”
I did not Receive Such a List
Çağlayan who says “Textile and apparel are the brother sectors” commented on the rumoured list of the companies that will go bankrupt by saying; “I think that the companies included in the list should apply for the Public Prosecution Office. No company has the right to damage the credibility of any other company. These companies are not unclaimed. They all are important companies for our country.” Minister Çağlayan answered our question by saying that he’s not received such a list and added that no one has the right to prepare a list of companies that will go bakrupt. He stated that he does not know who did it and why.
We did not Dream the Measures We’ve Taken
Stating that although there is a great trade deficit in the apparel sector, an increase in the imports has been observed in this sector, Çağlayan emphasized that each imported product damages the employment in Turkey. Commenting on the additional taxes applied on the imported fabrics, Çağlayan reminded that Turkish textile sector suffers from the foreign trade deficit. Çağlayan continued by saying; “We perform a significant amount of exports in the apparel sector however an increase takes place also in the imports. This incease does not stem from the inability of our manufacturers but from the Far East Asian countries. These is an asymmetrical unfair competition. People in these countries are made to work like slaves. In this atmosphere of unfair competition, it is the natural right of the textile manufacturers to apply to our ministry and seek protection. As a minister, it would be unfair of me if I do not take such a decision.”
“We did not take this decision just because we dreamt about it. After the studies carried out for months, our companions decided on the measures that should be taken against the unfair competition to protect the employment, production and investments of the companies. This is a decision that has entered into force after signed by all of our ministers, prime minister and president,” said Çağlayan about the protective measures taken by the government against the imports. Underlining that the decision has been taken in order to protect the economy of the country rather than a sector, Çağlayan stated that after this decision, the textile mills started to operate again. Çağlayan argued that the revival of the domestic textile companies also affected the apparel sector and exports in the positive way. Çağlayan added that the companies that import goods from abroad, informed the ministry about their intentions to move their facilities to Turkey again.
Decline does not Stem from the Decisions Taken on the Exports
Zafer Çağlayan emphasized that after the decision taken, a significant decline took place in the textile exports and he opposed the arguments alleging that the exporst declined in the clothing and apparel sector due to the decisions taken. “No one can argue that the exports declined due to the decision, if he does, it means that he’s lying. The reason for the decline observed in the exports in this sector are the problems arose from the exchange rate and the shirinkage within the European markets. I am well aware of the the import figures recorded by those who say that suffer from the case,” said Çağlayan.
I Know Who is in the Red Line in Ekoteks
Underlining the carcinogenic risk in the products imported from the countries that took protective measures, Çağlayan reminded that the coordination of market surveillance and control is included in the Ministry of Economy. Çağlayan stated that they will take important decisions in this regard. “No one has the right to enter the carcinogenic products refused to be used by its own citizens and the whole world into Turkey. I can not let this happen. I know the companies and the products they import and their origins. I know whose products entered the red line in Ekoteks labs. There is a lot to say but I keep silent,” said Çağlayan.
