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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
spearheaded an initiative to establish a Natural Fibres
Textiles and Clothing Trade Facilitation Committee at the
Asia Pacific Textiles and Clothing Industry Forum (ASPAC) in
Manila, Philippines on 13 and 14 October.
DFAT, in conjunction with industry representatives from
Cotton Australia, The Woolmark Company, the Council for
Textiles and Fashion Industries of Australia and the
Department of Primary Industries and Energy attended the
ASPAC conference, in Manila, and succeeded in gaining
support and agreement to establish a Natural Fibres Textiles
and Clothing Trade Facilitation Committee from all
participating economies.
Michael Tietge, delegation leader and DFAT Market Access
Facilitator, said establishment of the committee is a major
achievement for the Australian textiles and clothing
industries.
"We have created an international platform to discuss
natural fibres textiles and clothing trade facilitation
issues. This platform will be used to develop cooperation
and achieve agreement on standards and practices to deliver
real commercial results for Australian industry," Mr Tietge
said.
The Natural Fibres Textiles and Clothing Trade
Facilitation Committee will enable market access issues to
be identified and effective solutions agreed on. There is
real potential for further expansion of textile and clothing
trade dialogue in the Asia Pacific region.
DFAT will coordinate with industry, both within Australia
and all participating Asia Pacific economies, preparatory
work over the next 12 months, in time for the inaugural
meeting of the new committee, to be held in New Delhi in
1999.
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