The Italian government is going ahead with measures to help the country’s fashion and textile industry cope with the economic downturn.

The plan includes tax breaks and access to government guarantees for small and medium-sized companies. Economic Development Minister Claudio Scajola said the idea is to make the industry more competitive internationally. Around seven hundred thousand Italians work in the textile, leather, eyewear and shoe sectors. The industry has warned its members risk “falling to pieces” with small companies being the hardest hit as demand for clothes and accessories falls.More about: Fashion, Italy

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