Turkish's Gaziantep Is a Major Contributor Towards The Country's Economy

The textile and apparel industry of the southeastern Turkish city of Gaziantep is a major contributor towards the country’s economy, as well as its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), said Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) chairman Adil Konukoglu, at a recent meeting hosted by GSO in the city.

According to a statement issued by GSO, Mr. Konukoglu said that cotton and textiles are amongst the major production activities of the city, with the textile industry of the city exporting products worth US$ 950 million in 2012, and apparel sector exporting goods worth US$ 98 million.

At the meeting the GSO official said the textile and apparel sector of Gaziantep is essential in terms of productivity, exports as well as employment.

The garment sector of the region has a majority of female employees who work day and night to produce high-quality clothing which increase exports, and it is necessary to take initiatives to develop the textile and apparel sector of Gaziantep, he added.

The meeting saw participation from representatives of Turkey Fashion and Apparel Federation (TMHGF), Istanbul Cotton Garment and Apparel Manufacturing Association (PENKON), Gaziantep Embroidery Manufacturers Association (GANDER) and Gaziantep Tailoring Contract Assistance and Solidarity Association (GFT-DER).

During the meeting, TMHGF chairman Huseyin Ozturk said the Gaziantep textile and apparel sector is a significant contributor towards the growth of Turkey’s economy, and apparel products from the city are well-known for their high-quality designs.

It is necessary to provide facilities and take steps for boosting trade as well as production in these sectors as Gaziantep textile and apparel products have the potential to compete in international markets, he added.