Brussels, 06/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Enterprise and Information Technology Directorate General at the European Commission has recently published, in its "Enterprise Papers" series, a study devoted to the "textile and clothing industry in the EU - a survey". The study, carried out by Werner Stengg (official of the Directorate General) describes the way this industry has developed over the past fifteen years.
The textile and clothing industry represents a large part of the market of the European manufacturing industry and provides employment for over 2 million people, recalls Mr Stengg. Its role in promoting economic and social cohesion continues to increase, mainly because its is essentially made up of SMEs, often concentrated in particular regions, thus contributing greatly to the wealth and cultural heritage of these regions. Furthermore, the sector, which is "one of the oldest sectors in the history of industrial development" has been strongly affected by the phenomenon of globalisation. In 2005, says the author, the trade liberalisation process will be complete, which will bring about "a new world order in textiles trade" since large producers like China, India and Indonesia will no longer be confronted with quantitative restrictions when exporting to the EU or the US.
The study covers five areas: 1) a description of the main characteristics of the textile and clothing industry , and its position in the European manufacturing sector; 2) a general overview of the industrial and regional structure of this sector and information on recent developments in terms of production, productivity and employment; 3) development of international trade flows; 4) the growing use of information technologies and communication, the "Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Zone", innovation and quality; and 5) competition and quality.
The survey, in the series "Enterprise Papers" (No2 - 2001, ISBN 92-894-1280-1, 59 pages) is available from the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, L-2985 Luxembourg, or from the Commission in Brussels. Fax: 02 299 1926 or 02 296 99 30. E-mail: entr-information-communic@cec.eu.int.