Retail Chain Division in the Federation of Israeli Chamber of Commerce (FICC) will struggle to reduce tariffs on imports of textile to Israel

The Israeli Retail Chain Division provides adequate representation for all sizes of Chains from the retail trade sector, including: fashion, footwear, optics, sports, jewelry, camping, electronics, pharmaceutical, and others.

The conference was held in order to formulate a work plan dealing with the main issues on the agenda among which a policy for reducing tariffs on imports of textile products.

According to Yoram Dar, Chairman of the Division, one of the main topics on the agenda is implementing government policies and executing an order for reducing tariffs on textiles, which is expected to be discussed by the Knesset Finance Committee in the near future.

"The division will firmly fight to implement the government's decision to further reduce import tariffs on textile products, a move which has already proven itself in the past to be effective in increasing economic competition, lower consumer prices and reduce the cost of living.

The FICC President Mr. Uriel Lynn praised the division and stated: "no doubt the retail sector is one of the most important job creators in our economy and it does so without any support from the government. Moreover, it also involves the personal risk of the investors. Fair management and work conditions should be provided in order ensure the sectors' interest thereby ensuring also the public's interest. 

See some pictures from a press conference held at the FICC on 6.3.13, with the participation of importers from the textile sector.

Arie Zief, Vice President of FICC , stated that increase in tariffs on textiles will directly harm the consumer. In the past the government has taken steps towards lowering tariffs to reduce the cost of living in Israel. Textile products are daily consumer goods and cancellation of reduction in tariffs will seriously damage the public. This move goes against the economic introduced during the last year and a half.

According to Gabi Rotter, co-owner of Castro- one of Israel's largest fashion concerns : "We are in a social protests era , and reducing tariffs led to healthy competition in our industry and reduces prices considerably. Moreover, let's not forget that the Israeli public are burdened now with a many taxes such as electricity and water and it seems to me absurd and populist to protect several small textile plants and consequently cancel the reduction of tariffs.There is no economic indicator that warrants this move.