In a letter, the SEVK has called on Nikos Dendias to withdraw the agreement to supply textile products and hold talks with the sector:
The letter
Dear Minister,
We learnt with great concern and surprise that the intergovernmental agreement between Greece and Egypt, covering the supply of textile products and clothing for the needs of the Armed Forces, worth a total of €10 million, is due to be put to a vote in the Hellenic Parliament shortly.
As the sector’s representative body, we express our complete opposition to this move, which deals a serious blow to the Greek textile industry. At a time of prolonged and deep recession in our sector, the Greek Armed Forces — traditionally a key pillar of support for domestic production — are choosing to provide financial support to the industry of a third country, depriving Greek businesses and workers of valuable resources.
This decision is entirely at odds with successive government pledges to support domestic production, strengthen Greek manufacturing and protect jobs. While the state declares its intention to provide practical support to Greek industry, in practice it is pursuing policies that weaken it by directing demand abroad.
For these reasons, we call for the relevant provision/agreement to be removed from the Parliament’s schedule immediately and for meaningful dialogue with the sector’s representatives. It is a national and economic imperative that the needs of the country’s Armed Forces be met by the domestic production base, safeguarding the survival of an historic sector of strategic importance to the Greek economy.