Post MFA textile & clothing sector presents a contrasting picture says ILO

25 Oct '05

2 min read

With the end of the global textile quota system last year, the textiles and clothing (TC) sector has been experiencing another global revolution. While many observers saw the lifting of restrictions as a potential catastrophe for the domestic textile and clothing industry in a number of countries, the overall picture is more contrasted than expected.

This is one of the findings of a new The International Labour Organization (ILO) study prepared for a meeting to be held in Geneva from 24-26 October which will also examine ways to ensure a fair globalization process in the TC sector.

ILO Online reports from Cambodia where an ILO project helped the garment industry to deal with the phase-out of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA).

The Walt Disney Company once banned manufacturers from making its branded clothing in Cambodia after textile companies were accused of violating international labour standards. But Disney has now lifted its ban due to the ILO's Better Factories Cambodia project.

The project has improved working conditions for Cambodia's 270,000 garment workers and boosted the value of exports to the United States by 17 per cent between January and April this year. Next year, the project will receive its first financial support from big western companies, including Gap Inc, Nike Inc, Reebok International Ltd, Adidas Group, Levi Strauss & Co, Sears Holdings Corp, Wal-Mart Stores Inc, Hennes and Mauritz (H & M), the Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. and The Walt Disney Company.

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