Brussels, 13/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - Although the overall suppression of textile quota import tariffs are planned, the EU, the largest market and biggest textile exporter in the world, leading China, is developing plans to resist Asian competition. It is in this context that the French minister for industry, Patrick Devedjian reaffirmed on 12 May that Paris intend to set up a "Paneuromed" zone that covered Europe and third countries in the Mediterranean. During the general assembly of the Union of Textile Industries the minister declared that "rather than submitting to the brutal opening up of Asian competition on 1 January 2005, we will have to work with our closest neighbours, notably those in North Africa, of a sharing out of tasks that is sensible and mutually to all". The minister added that, "We are actively working with the European Commission to facilitate this kind of schema to a maximum, notably in the rapid and complete implementation of a 'Paneuromed zone". He also provided assurances that "diplomatic pressure will not let up to get rid of the final obstacles to this free trade zone"