European Apparel and Textile Organisation
24 rue Montoyer – B – 1000
Brussels
phone: + 32.2.285.48.81 – Fax : +32.2.230.60.54
e:mail : william.lakin@euratex.org
Web-site : www.euratex.org
Euratex President Libeert meets Commission President Barosso.
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European Apparel and Textile Organisation
24 rue Montoyer – B – 1000 Brussels
Web-site: www.euratex.org
May 18th 2005
PRESS RELEASE
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Following meeting with President BARROSO
On May 17th 2005
Please find enclosed the text of the Press Release issued today following the meeting with Commission President BARROSO on May 17th 2005. This is a summary of what was said, although it is worth pointing out in addition that during a very informal and courteous meeting, Mr. BARROSO was careful to explain the constraints under which he and the Commission had to work whilst clearly underlining his sympathy for the situation in which the industry found itself and his desire to do whatever was possible.
(signed)
William LAKIN
Director General
European Apparel and Textile Organisation
24 rue Montoyer – B – 1000 Brussels
Web-site: www.euratex.org
PRESS RELEASE
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May 17th 2005
EURATEX PRESIDENT LIBEERT MEETS COMMISSION PRESIDENT BARROSO
On Tuesday May 17th EURATEX President Filiep LIBEERT, accompanied by Director-General Bill LAKIN, had the opportunity to meet with EU Commission President BARROSO to underline industry alarm at the ever-growing threat posed by imports of Chinese textiles and clothing into the European Union.
During the meeting Filiep LIBEERT stressed the impact of predatory Chinese prices resulting from the illicit practises of Chinese exporters in financial, economic, intellectual property, social and environmental forms. The EU textile and clothing industry had sought over the years to adapt itself to the challenges of a quota free environment. But no industry could face the unfair trading currently practised by the Chinese industry. He urged the Commission to use the emergency mechanism in the special textile safeguard clause to halt the exponential growth in Chinese exports to the European Union, to provide breathing space for hard-pressed European companies and to avoid further job losses. The situation today was critical and prompt action was essential. At the same time he stressed the desire of the industry to increase its exports, but that could only be achieved by reductions in punitive tariffs and the early elimination of multiple non-tariff barriers in third countries – commitments made by all WTO members when the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) was signed in 1994.
In his response the Commission President demonstrated his understanding of the textile and clothing industry, confirmed his belief in its future in Europe, and his awareness of the situation in which that industry found itself, whilst pointing to the need within the overall EU trading position of achieving the right balance. He fully supported the objective of creating conditions of free and fair trade with all WTO partners and was appreciative of the issues raised in this context by the EURATEX President. President BARROSO indicated that market access remained a priority for the EU authorities in the field of non-agricultural products (NAMA) within the Doha Development Agenda, both in tariff and non-tariff barrier terms. In the latter case work was already going on within the Commission.
EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Organisation is the representative body of the EU textile and clothing industries, together with the same industries in EU customs union partner, Turkey, and the countries of the Mediterranean rim.
For further information contact:
W.H. LAKIN
Director General
Tel : +32.2.285.48.81
Fax : +32.2.230.60.54
E-mail : william.lakin@euratex.org