Brussels, 12/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, in the perspective of an international symposium that it is organising on 5-6 May in Brussels, the European Commission launched a vast consultation exercise on the future of the clothing and textile trade that will follow the getting rid of quotas in 2005. European and non-European parties that are affected, will be able to present their ideas and contribution on trade policy in this sector by taking part in a forum specially conceived for this purpose on the internet.
In a press statement, European Commissioner Pascal Lamy, highlighted the fact that, "In less than two years we shall see the elimination of quota restrictions which have been a feature of world trade in textiles for 40 years. The time is ripe for a fresh, open and thorough analysis of all aspects of textiles trade and we want to hear the views from all interested parties so that we can draw the right conclusions". The main issue in the debate involve: Likely impact of quota elimination on developing and industrialised countries (will further adjustments in trade policy be necessary?); Impact of total quota elimination on sustainable development (environmental and social aspects); The relevance of regional groupings and of tariff preferences in the context of further trade liberalisation under the WTO; How to ensure fair and equitable trading conditions world-wide.
The spokesperson stressed that the objective of the symposium was to discuss possible ways for developing a coherent clothing and textiles policy. As well as Commissioner Lay, other participants will include international players such as Supachai Panitchpakdi, Director General of the WTO, Kipkorir Aly Azad RANA, Deputy Director General of the WTO, Rubens Ricupero, Secretary General, UNCTAD, as well as Trade Ministers (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Uruguay, Mauritius, Morocco, Egypt and Turkey), Ambassador Shaun E. Donnelly, US Department of State, Jennifer Hillman, Chairman (International Trade Commission, USA), representatives from the sector (Euratex for industry, BEUC for consumers, the USA ATMI for textile manufacturers, ETUC/TCL for the workers and C&A). More information on these events are available on http: //europa.eu.int/comm/trade/goods/textile/index_en.htm (symposium). Contributions have to be sent to the following address, (textiles-trade-conference@cec.eu.int).