High Level Group sets vision on textile & clothing sector until 2020
19 Sep '06
3 min read
Skilled work force Efforts of industry stakeholders and social partners should speed up to complete the June 2004 recommendations such as:
the establishment of national and European “Observatories” for training and employment (work in progress); the organisation and coordination of training at all levels in the industry; the creation of media/information pools to make the industry more widely known; surveys to ensure better match between supply and demand for training; and the development of common qualification standards (work in progress). At the same time, universities are encouraged to develop European degrees and to dovetail the courses they offer at present in close co-operation with industry.
Reciprocal market access to third markets The report underlines the necessity for reciprocal market access to third markets for EU exports of textiles and clothing and that a multilateral strategy for market access must remain centre-stage (in particular the Market Access Action Plan[2]).
The Mediterranean partners are urged to complete the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area, building on cost efficiency, quality and proximity of markets, in order to strengthen regional economic integration.
As far as the external dimension of IPR protection is concerned, the HLG acknowledged that the Commission has stepped up its action and the structured dialogue between the Commission and the Chinese authorities on IPR has been very welcomed.
marketing@alchempro.com
