TOBB Textile Industry Council President Abdülkadir Konukoğlu, in his speech at the IITAS2014 symposium held in Antalya by Ege University The Department of Textile Engineering, stated that the importance of the textile sector in Turkey can not be discussed, "Textile will be the most important employment, production and export industry to Turkey for many years. In near future for Turkey there is no industry to take place of the textile industry."
Konukoğlu, who is also SANKO Holding Honorary President, said in his speech he made in the opening of XIII. International Izmir Textile and Apparel Symposium held by Ege University The Department of Textile Engineering in Antalya Belek, Maritim Pine Beach Resort, that very high quality yarn is being produced in Turkey, very good fabrics are being produced, very succesful works are done in terms of fashion brand and design work.
Konukoğlu added that currently in fashion and design Turkey is almost in the same level with Italy, "I'm saying with the faith I have in the competence of employees at all levels to our textile manufacturers, industrialists, textile industry, in the near future no one will be able to compare with us", he said.
We are not afraid of China, On the Contrary, We Are Hopeful
Konukoğlu, recalled that when entering the 2000s, almost everyone in labor-intensive sectors experienced the fear of China due to cheap labor, he continued " In those days in every speech I made, I said that there was no need to fear China and I said 'When a Chinese who wears monotype outfit starts to buy more than one clothes, the production itself will not be enough'. We see that this speech I made has become real. At that time, in China which entered the world market on a sudden with a cheaper cost, labor costs have also increased parallel to the income level, the Chinese began to take fashion and brand.
When every Chinese starts to buy one more outfit, China will be the world's most important textile importer. As SANKO, textile products exports that we make to China that increases year by year, confirms my prediction. When the textile manufacturers are making future planning, they should be structured by thinking of this. Turkey should trust and embrace the textile industry."
Employment Center
Konukoğlu emphasizes that textile, which was in one period desired to be seen as, "The industry that Turkey should leave", is one of the most important employment centers in Turkey, continued as follows: "After a long struggle as a result of feedback we've imposeed, with the launch of additional taxes application on imports of certain products in textile from our government, 125 thousand new employment were provided and the Turkish textile stood up. Sets are put to the entrance of Far East's cheap and poor quality products. Who won? Of course the Turkish textile producer and Turkey worn." Konukoğlu emphasized that textile being the history of world's largest companies and the rich can not be a coincidence, also drew attention to the industry which should watch the developments and by establishing R&D departments they need to renew themselves. Konukoğlu reminded about how the government supports and provides considerable ease to R&D.
Both the Alive and the Dead needs it
Konukoğlu said about the importance of the textile industry, "Both the alive and the dead needs it. Mankind embraces a textile product when they are born, again they are burried in the ground with a textile product when they die. Also while living no one walks around naked", finished his words by saying: "Once upon a time there was the dominance of England in textiles. English fabric was the most important brands. Later the domination passed to France. With England and France's loss of colonial which are the cotton textile production areas, Italy took over the domination and is still a leader in this area, but now it has a partner, Turkey. Italy is doing an outstanding job in fashion and design. While Turkey is making significant achievements in fashion and brands, it also came to a place where it can compete with almost every country in brands and quality levels. Also being a cotton producing country, is one of our most important advantage.
Especially textile technology, every industry is need to be watched very closely. If you do not renew your machines on time in your business, the machines will renew the boss. As SANKO, we closely follow the developments in the industry and we use new technologies in the maximum level. Otherwise you will lose your competitive power and your position in the market will be shaken.''
Other Speakers:
Meanwhile, at the opening of the symposium Chairwoman of Organizing Committee Prof. Dr.E. Perrin Akçakoca Kumbasar, Ege University Faculty of Engineering Dean Dr..Suheyda Atalay, Aegean Clothing and Apparel Exporters Association President Emre Kızılgüneşler, Turkish Textile Employer's Association Board Member Tahir Gürsoy and Association of Turkish Textile Machinery Manufacturers President Adil Nalbant also made a speech. During the opening speech winners of the competition organized by Turkish Textile Employer's Association were awarded.
