The following is a round-up of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media. just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.

  • Turkish textile sector exports have surged 20% in the first seven months of the year, reaching US$4.7bn. Shipments to the American continent increased by 40%; exports to Africa rose by 30%; exports to the Middle East climbed by 30%; and exports to the European Union-member states rose by 28%. ASIA PULSE
  • In an attempt to support Egyptian textile companies, The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to increase the amount of subsidies provided to textile companies by EGP2000/ton to EGP6000/ton (US$335-1006) from August to October this year. MIST NEWS
  • Construction of Iran’s largest dyeing factory has begun in the Aras Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan. The unit and a wastewater treatment plant will be built near a textile factory set up by Turkish investors, which is expected to generate 27,000 jobs. It will have a dyeing capacity of about 100 tons of yarn and fibres while the wastewater treatment plant will be capable of recycling 2,500 tons of waste materials per day. IRAN DAILY
  • The Industry Ministry wants Thailand to become the Asean textile leader within five years, with Bangkok one of the three main fashion cities in Asia. The proposed strategy includes encouraging Thai businesses to invest overseas and develop networks, set up an Asean trading centre in Thailand, boosting creativity and improving human resources. BANGKOK POST
  • Local textile millers are threatening to shut down all units after the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday if the government does not take initiatives to save the industry, according to the leaders of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA). They claim production has been hit by energy shortages, changes to EU rules of origin, and high cotton prices – and are seeking cash incentives, lower bank interest rates for the sector, and an exemption from import duties and taxes on polyester and viscose fibres. THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS