The Turkish textile and ready-made clothing sectors are set to make up for their losses, since bilateral political relations were strained with Russia, by opening up to Iranian and African markets. With signals of financial weakening in Russia, as importers did not purchase enough goods in the beginning of the new season, Turkish textile exporters have planned road shows in Iran, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria in March.

According to Giyasettin Eyüpkoca, President, Laleli Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (LASİAD), economic recession is being experienced not only in Russia but also in other countries such as Italy, France and the United Kingdom. He stressed that road shows bring more advantages than fairs to the ready-made clothing sector. Eyüpkoca added that Pure London and Magic Show fashion events, which were recently held in the UK and the United States, respectively, were not efficient enough.

Said Hikmet Eraslan, Dosso Dossi Holding Chairman, the sector has failed to increase its turnover despite reducing prices by 30 percent in the Laleli and Osmanbey shopping areas, which are popular shopping spots for Russian tourists in Istanbul. He underscored how essential it is to find alternative markets.