Under the "Programme for the Enhancement of Integrated Regional Development in GAP and Mitigation of Socio-economic Disparities-Stage II" jointly implemented by GAP Regional Development Administration and the United Nations Development Programme, the GAP Administration, Siirt Governorate, Habitat and Agenda 21 Youth Association and Sancak Textiles Co. had come together to launch a vocational training project in textiles which would guarantee employment for its participants. The project was given start on 8 February 2006 upon a protocol signed by the parties at the GAP Conference Hall.

The project envisages the delivery of vocational training to 600 young persons who will then be employed at the plant to be opened in Siirt in April 2006 by the Sancak Textiles Co. The training will take place from May 2006 to December 2007 in groups. Training topics in relation to the textiles industry include yarn cleaning, maintenance of machinery, quality control and ironing. Literate persons in the age group 16-30 are eligible for application. Recruitment for employment will start in July 2006 in groups of 100 persons. Applications will be received by the Youth Centre in Siirt. The project also introduces a quota whereby 30 % of new recruits have to be females.

The Governorate of Siirt prepared and allocated Evren Community Centre as the venue of training. The GAP Administration procured materials (yarn, cloth, spare parts for machinery, etc.) needed in training and undertook the organisation of applications together with the Sancak Textiles Co. The company gave assurance that 100% of trainees completing their training would be provided jobs at the textile plant.

The ceremonial meeting organised for the opening of the project started with an opening speech given by GAP President Muammer Yasar OZGUL. Other speaking guests included Swiss Ambassador Walter GYGER, Siirt Governor Huseyin Avni MUTLU, UN Representative Jakob SIMONSEN; Sezai HAZIR, President of Habitat and Agenda 21 Youth Association; Ulvi ENSARI and Nihat SAHIN from the sponsoring firm Sancak-Arat Denim Textiles Co. and AKP Siirt Deputies Oner ERGENC and Oner GULYESIL.

In his opening speech, GAP President Muammer Yasar OZGUL noted that infrastructure in the region was considerably improved and attractive incentives including land free land allocation, tax abatement and social security contribution conveniences were made available to investors. Mentioning secular trend of increase in investments launched in the region, President OZGUL pointed out that as a result unemployment was gradually declining in the region. OZGUL said unemployment is a problem that can not be solved only by the efforts of the State and both the private sector and civil society organisations have their roles to plan in efforts for reducing unemployment. President OZGUL stressed that the protocol which was just signed was a distinct example of cooperation bringing together the Government, private sector and civil society organisations.

Ulvi ENSARI, Executive Board member of the Textiles Company realising the investment in Siirt pointed out that the employment capacity of the plant in Siirt would be 1,000 and this figure would be reached by the end of 2007. ENSARI stressed the need for private sector efforts for the development of the region and, as a company they would consistently support employment generating projects.

Sezai HAZIR, President of Habitat and Agenda 21Youth Association reminded that together with the GAP Administration they launched 8 Youth Centres in the region and drew attention to the importance of partnerships such as Youth Centres and the vocational training project in Siirt to enhance socialisation and social integration in Turkey.

Nihat SAHIN, General Director of the Siirt Textiles Enterprise established by Denim-Arat said they volunteered for the employment project in Siirt considering that such an initiative would encourage other investors as well. Sahin stressed that they planned to develop a trade mark and that their intention is to stay long in this region.

Jakob Simonsen said he was quite excited by the project whose protocol was just signed and pointed out that this partnership would open up new gates of development in the region. Swiss Ambassador Walter GYGER said solidarity is more important than financial assistance. The Swiss Government is happy and also proud to have a role in the development of the region.

Siirt Governor Huseyin Avni MUTLU reminded that education and employment are the leading challenges for the province and it is now the time to take great leaps forward in employment after significant achievements in the field of education. Governor MUTLU pointed out the jobs and employment remains to be the priority problem in the province.

AKP Siirt Deputy Oner ERGENC of both economic and social value added. Siirt now awaits investors with its large market, available labour force, other resources and raw materials.

AKP Siirt Deputy Oner GULYESIL said projects of this type are expected to eliminate some persistent problems in the region and local people who move out to metropolis or send their children out for work would enjoy decent jobs as a result of such projects. Deputy GULYESIL reminded that an investment in the region providing employment to 1,000 persons would save 7,000 family members and investments would contribute not only to employment in its narrow sense but also to social and economic development in general.