The textile industry in El Salvador, the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America, has called for more support from the Government.

During a presentation on “CAFTA Vrs Asia: Competitive Strategies for the Region’s Strengthening” as a part of FOROTEX 2011, Patricia Figueroa, Executive Director of the Chamber of the Textile, Clothing and Free Zones in El Salvador (CAMTEX), said one of the main challenge being faced by the country’s textile sector is to achieve a greater commitment from the Government in the coming years.

Patricia said the Government should show greater commitment towards the textile sector as it accounts for about 45 percent of total exports of El Salvador, and contributes 18 percent to its industrial GDP and 4.1 percent to GDP.

Walter Wilhelm of Walter Wilhelm Associates said El Salvador should not restrict itself to the US market and should also explore other countries. He added that the changes occurring in China and the current economic volatility provide a good opportunity for countries in the region to explore new markets.

The forum deliberated on issues such as compliance with customs regulations, CAFTA-DR, and foreign investors’ perspective on El Salvador.