"It is a tragedy that Africa is being robbed of its future from the virtual looting of its raw materials - in this case, cotton. Action is urgently need to reverse this situation which could result in the creation of tens of thousands of jobs along the labour-intensive textile pipeline."
Lesotho has become a significant garment producer and exporter to the US market. But, to remain in the game there is an urgent need for local backward linkages to yarn and fabric. Some such provision is now being made locally, but significant investment is required. This can only happen with the support of the government backed up by the international financial institutions.
"Such support could build a strong, viable, profitable and internationally competitive garment industry providing much needed secure jobs."
"Such jobs would provide the engine for development, enabling Lesotho to diversify into other sectors and building a sustainable economy capable of supporting improved education and other services, which would, in turn, further boost the local economy."
Concluded Mr. Kearney, "To date, trade and international financial policy in Africa has created a dependence on aid. That needs urgently to be reversed."
"Aid for trade should prioritise the development of a modern textile industry capable of efficiently transforming the continent's cotton and maximising the value added through the export of finished garments. This would be a truly labour intensive route to development."
The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation is a global union federation bringing together 220 affiliated organisations in 110 countries with a combined membership of 10 million workers.
International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation
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