Quito, March 17 (teleSUR-RHC) Having had to previously compete with China and other major importers, the state-run Aletec backpack and suitcase company is looking to benefit from newly introduced tariffs which have gone into effect in Ecuador.

The tariff surcharges apply to 2,800 goods, which will experience between five percent and 45 percent price increases.

Imported backpacks fall in the 45 perecnt range, giving companies as Aletec the opportunity for growth to meet national demand.

The Commercial Manager of Grupo Tec Ramiro Gordon, told teleSUR English on the factory floor, “The moment in which imports are restricted for whatever circumstance, in this case for the surcharges created, this is going to be an opportunity, there is going to be an increased need for us to produce on a national level.”

“We are ready for this. We will be able to do this. And I hope that by helping national industry this increased demand will give us the possibility to hire more employees, to create jobs, this is the idea of the government and of everyone,” said Gordon.

These surcharges will affect one third of imported consumer goods and primary materials, with two-thirds seeing no price increased.

This measure is seeking to help balance the national economy in the face of the low international price of oil and appreciation of the U.S. dollar.