The recent devastating earthquakes have shaken Tukey badly and caused the deaths of nearly 50 thousand people, leaving 11 provinces deeply impacted.
Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB) has released a statement and thanked the global industry that stood tall with Turkey during destructive times.
“After the great disaster, we witnessed exemplary solidarity not only at home but also on an international scale. I would like to thank all the countries, non-governmental organizations, and everyone who made an individual effort abroad, who rushed to help in difficult times.
I would like to underline the solidarity and cooperation of you, our business partners, in this process. While you were with our earthquake victims with your donations, you showed understanding for temporary disruptions in production and delays in orders. I thank you all. International solidarity means a lot to us. I think that this solidarity is good for our world, which is tired of regional conflicts and crises,” expressed Mustafa Gültepe, President, Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB) and Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM).
It’s worth noting here that nearly 10 per cent of Turkey’s total clothing and apparel production capacity is located in the earthquake zone. The share of the provinces affected by the earthquake in the country’s clothing and apparel exports is at the level of 2.6 per cent.
“Despite two major earthquakes, most of our facilities in the region remained standing. As of March, production in some of our provinces has almost returned to normal. In other provinces, production started with low capacity,” continued Mustafa.
However, although most of the textile and clothing factories in these provinces are ready for production, it will take time for workers to return to work. In these provinces, IHKIB has focused on solving the temporary accommodation needs of the employees and social support programs rather than production, with the help of donations from its business partners.
Mustafa further averred that the businesses were operating at an average of 80 per cent capacity before the earthquake.
“Therefore, we have more than enough capacity to produce orders after the earthquake. Despite this fact, we are following with sadness the deliberate claims that Turkey will not be able to fulfill the orders in clothing and apparel production. I think that we can best respond to these unfounded and incompatible claims by continuing our cooperation with you, our esteemed partners. With the belief that you share the same understanding, I offer my love and respect to all of you,” concluded Mustafa.
