Cape Coast, July 08, GNA - Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Private Sector Development and PSI, has said it was wrong to blame the government for the decline in the country's textile industry.

He said the decline of the industry began years before the government took office.

"It is unfortunate three out of the five major textile factories have collapsed. "

Mr Asiedu said this when he launched the "National Friday Wear" in the Central Region at Cape Coast on Friday.

He said the situation had been compounded by the influx of pirated fabrics and other apparel, especially from China and this must be stopped to save the local industry.

Mr Asiedu said all was not lost because the government was making efforts to revitalize the industry.

He said it was imperative to take advantage of the booming global textile market that stands at approximately 342 billion dollars or six per cent of global merchandise trade.

Mr Asiedu said while the government was seeking funds to support the sector, Ghanaians should also support by patronizing Made-in-Ghana textiles to help revamp the sector.

Touching on the importance of the ceremony, Mr Asiedu reiterated that the promotion of the 'Friday Wear' was also to enhance the PSI on textiles and garments as part of measures to revamp the industry.