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Top level talks for textile trade Textile trade set overseas target
(1 day later)
A summit meeting is set to take place in the Borders to discuss the future of Scotland's textile industry. The enterprise minister has urged the Scottish textile trade to exploit the opportunities of the overseas market.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather is expected to attend the event being hosted by SNP MSP Christine Grahame and her Tory counterpart John Lamont. Jim Mather attended a summit meeting in the Borders to discuss the future of the industry.
Representatives from a wide range of companies are expected at the event, being held in St Boswells. He said he believed that the textiles sector had great potential despite having come through some "very difficult times".
Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Enterprise and the GMB union are also due to participate in the talks. The summit meeting was attended by a wide range of public bodies, companies and union representatives.
The summit hopes to identify how best the industry can be supported and promoted in the coming years. Mr Mather described the event in St Boswells as "highly stimulating" and a "step in the right direction".
Local MSPs set about organising the event earlier this year. 'Future potential'
They were concerned by "global instability" and job losses at a number of textile factories. "This is an industry which has faced some very difficult times," he said.
It is hoped the summit can be a "first step" towards providing the support needed to maintain the industry. "However, it is clear that the industry is gaining confidence and that there is a desire among stakeholders to realise its future potential.
"With innovation and renewed determination, I'm hopeful we can increasingly tap into the international textiles market and see the Scottish industry become a driver of increased, sustainable economic growth."
The summit was hosted by SNP MSP Christine Grahame and her Tory counterpart John Lamont.