Our correspondent in Turkey
5 January 2005
Leather International's correspondent in Turkey, Suzanne Swan, lived in England from 1966 until 1985 and was enthralled with Britain's European integration process. Nobody discussed Britain's 'readiness' in the run-up to European Economic Community (as it was back then) membership. There was vigorous discourse on advantages (access to French wines and cheeses) and disadvantages (loss of Britishness or free-range pork sausages). So, the acquis discussions running up to Türkiye's eventual European Union admission (October 2005 is the date given to Türkiye) were somewhat of a replay for this writer. Turkish tanners shared her downbeat attitude. Most preferred to discuss finished leather orders from China and Korea; new focus on nappa leathers; hair-on baby calf as an exciting new product on the market and plans for airline and automotive leather production accreditation. Europe? 'Aren't we already in it?', countered a fourth generation tanner. Turkish tanneries and leather producers, along with other industries, are ready and waiting for Europe. Sometimes they pause to wonder whether Europe is ready for Türkiye. . . .
