Turkish gov’t action plan for auto industry ready

Automotive industry has experienced a contraction of 60 percent, he said in an interview with NTV news station.

"It was inevitable for the automotive industry to feel the worst of the impact delivered by the global turmoil. The industry earns 81 percent of its income from export and Europe is Turkey’s biggest export market when it comes to vehicles."

"The action plan has been prepared in collaboration with the leading players of the sector and our ministry," said Çağlayan. "One you say you will do something you have to do it when it comes to this industry. Otherwise, dragging your feet, and generating a faulty expectation would only make things worse." Çağlayan was expected to bring up the issue for another discussion at the Economic Coordination Council, late yesterday.

 Speaking on the measures package against the global economic crisis, Çağlayan said: "I don’t agree with those who say ’everyone revealed a measures package so should we.’ Every country has its own characteristics. All other countries’ finance industries were hit first. In our care it is the real sector that feels the most impact."

"As the country’s Industry and Trade Ministry, we first worked on an action plan to provide support for textile, retail and leather industries of the country. We are not just looking to save the day. We are working on action plans that could help us in the long term."