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El. Kourtalis: Energy costs raise the issue of sustainability for the textile industry

Mr. Eleftherios Kourtalis, President of the Association of Greek Textile Manufacturers, referring to the great energy crisis affecting the whole of Europe, is sounding the alarm bell for the effects of high energy costs, especially for the Greek textile industry.

Prior to the crisis, the energy cost of the textile industry, a predominantly energy-intensive industry, accounted for 40% of the value added of the product and was a significant competitive disadvantage for the industry. (We had the most expensive Medium Voltage current in Europe, with its price being twice the prices of our European competitors), notes Mr. Kourtalis and adds:

“Today, when energy costs have skyrocketed, the textile industry is being hit, more than any other industry, by a huge increase in electricity, and we point out that the blow it will inflict will be crucial to raise the issue of sustainability for all. industries, which, for the most part, are mostly export-oriented and extroverted.

The energy crisis that directly affects, not only the competitiveness, but mainly the viability of the Greek textile industry, requires the immediate mobilization and taking effective measures by the State, as it is estimated that the crisis will last for a long time.

Therefore, industry members are calling on the government to take more effective support measures within the framework set by the EU. and the financial coverage of most of the increases in the price of electricity. At the same time, the government intervention in the formation of prices in the wholesale electricity market is considered a necessary condition for the viability of the processing, following the example of other European countries.

In this environment, the essential support measures for the industry are, as never before, necessary, in order not to proceed with its permanent cessation of operation, an industry that contributes to the strengthening of the productive base of the country and to the increase of GDP ”.

Source: Capital

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