Country

Strengths

Weaknesses

China

Worlds largest Textile Economy.

The largest exporter of textiles & clothing (worth US $ 62 billion in 2002).

This accounts for 17% of world trade (Textiles = 13%; Clothing = 20%).

Worlds largest producer of Cotton.

Worlds largest producer of Synthetic fibres.

Textile sector generates 10% of its GDP; and 20% of its merchandise output.

Relatively low labour costs.

Large obsolete production capacities in the cotton sector.

Low value addition.

Bangladesh

One of the worlds largest exporters of ready made garments (exports of US $ 5 billion pa).

Significant presence in US markets, due to a large quota.

Also enjoys quota free, and duty free access to Australia; Canada and Norway.

Its status as a least developed country (LDC) will give it favourable market access in the post quota era (01/01/2005); with preferred facility for EU markets.

Has mastered the garment trade and has low cost / high productivity in that sector.

Raw material base; no indigenous cotton production; and relies heavily on imported yarns and fibres.

Inadequate infrastructure.

Leads to congestion and delays at ports.

Inadequate communications network.

Uncompetitive and unreliable power supply leads to production delays and elevated costs.

Sri Lanka

Textile and Apparel Industry has crucial part of countrys economy.

It is the countrys biggest employer in manufacturing; and number 1 export earner.

In 2001 it accounted for 69% of the countrys industrial exports and 53% of its total exports.

Relatively secure markets in with USA; EU and Canada through bilateral agreements.

Small domestic fabric base.

Relies heavily on yarn and fabric imports.

Industry is seeing decline in competitiveness due to its heavy reliance on quota categories, concentration on a few markets, inability to develop new markets or major purchasers because of direct marketing contacts.

Relatively small domestic market, little cash generation to support investment in developing export markets.

Pakistan

Fourth largest Cotton producer in the world.

Highly developed garment confection industry, and also dyeing & finishing industry.

Abundant labour force, which relatively cheaper than China and India.

Limited manufacturing base in clothing and processing.

Limited research and development restricting diversity in product and innovation.