ITO President Avdagiç: Turkey Cannot Afford to Abandon the Textile Sector

Sectoral Evaluation Meeting The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) hosted a "Textile Sector Evaluation Meeting" with the participation of various industry associations.
Speaking at the meeting held at ITO's headquarters in Eminönü, ITO President Şekib Avdagiç stated that the textile sector cannot be overlooked due to its significant contribution to employment and the Turkish national brand.
Cost Increases and Competitive Conditions Evaluating the current state of the industry, Avdagiç noted that rising production costs have made Turkey more expensive than several Eastern European countries.
He mentioned that the gap between exchange rates and inflation, which has persisted for nearly three years, has exhausted the sector.
While expressing support for the national disinflation program, Avdagiç emphasized that they will continue working to help the weakened sector regain its momentum.
Technological Transformation and New Strategies Addressing the steps needed for the future of the industry, Avdagiç highlighted the importance of adapting to new technologies, updating export processes, and implementing innovative design workflows.
He asserted that Turkey does not have the luxury of giving up on or ignoring the textile sector and its supporting industries.
Social Balance and Regional Development Avdagiç also touched upon the textile sector's impact on regional development and social justice, noting that factories in Anatolia are particularly vital for female employment.
The ITO President stated that any contraction in the sector would have negative social repercussions and expressed his belief that these challenges will be overcome through unity within the business world.
Rent Issues in Commercial Spaces Industry representatives at the meeting complained about exorbitant rent increases in commercial areas such as stores, warehouses, and factories.
Entrepreneurs called for urgent legal regulations regarding rental processes, which are currently left to the discretion of property owners.
Additionally, there were calls for stricter regulations to combat the informal economy within the framework of international standards.