Africa:Trade Soars As Labour Rights Languish Jan 12, 2008
A report from the Netherlands-based Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations says garment and textile exports fell by 12 percent in 2005 and 11 percent in 2006, largely due to the dismantling of the Multi Fibre Agreement (MFA), which limited textile exports from developing countries outside of Sub-Saharan Africa, namely China. The end of the MFA in the beginning of 2005 removed one of the primary reasons for companies to operate in Africa, and many have since moved on. (allAfrica.com)
High growth trajectory for textile and apparel industry Oct 28, 2007
This was largely attributed to the end of the Multi Fibre Agreement, which has triggered growth in the quantum of sourcing of the top global retailers from India. India has several advantages in terms of abundant supply of cotton and man-made fiber, mature and well-established production base, cheap and skilled labour and good design capabilities. (India Times, India -- Intl Business)
Africa Records Highest Growth in Two Decades May 14, 2007
The growth prospects of Mauritius and Madagascar continue to be negatively affected by the increased competition from Asian textile producers and the end of the Multi-Fibre Agreement. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Africa records highest growth in two decadesShanghai, China (PANA) - Africa has experienced its highesteconomic growth in the last two decades, with Gross DomesticProduct (GDP) growth rate, which averaged about 5% annuallyin the past six years, rising to 5.5% in 2006, and is expectedto reach 6% this year, according to a new report by the AfricanDevelopment Bank (AfDB) and the Organisation for EconomicCooperation and Development (OECD). 13/05/2007 Full Text... May 14, 2007
The growth prospects of Mauritius and Madagascar continue to be negatively affected by the increased competition from Asian textile producers and the end of the Multi-Fibre Agreement. The Report also includes a focus on a topic of high relevance for policy makers in African countries such as a thematic analysis of issues on "Access to Drinking Water and Sanitation.". (Panapress.com)
China's dilemmaCan factory owners treat workers better and still make money? May 14, 2007
Textile and clothing exports from China have surged since the ending of restrictions on exports to Western countries in 2005, when the Multi-Fibre Agreement was finally abolished as part of a world trade deal. The rise in Chinese exports sparked protectionist pressures in both the US and the EU, and China negotiated export restraint agreements that expire in 2008. (BBC News -- Business)
Kenya: Helping the Cotton Sector Turn Over a New Leaf Feb 27, 2007
Kenyan firms have also had to compete with cheap Chinese imports that flooded into the country, particularly after the expiry of the Multi-Fibre Agreement (MFA) in December 2004. In effect since 1974, the MFA allowed countries to set quotas on textile imports to protect domestic textile industries. (allAfrica.com)
Peace brings ITC garment unit in Nepal Jan 23, 2007
Though the apparel sector flourished in the 80s, thanks to the multi fibre agreement, end of quota system from January 2005, has hit the sector. Dar says Surya Nepal will be ready to take on garments giant China and other competitors like Pakistan and Bangladesh. (Yahoo News -- Nepal)
