EU Textiles Group Develops Strategy
Participants at the first meeting of the European Union (EU) Textiles High Level Group have pledged to identify a research strategy to increase the competitiveness of the European textile industry.
Egytex News Desk
Egytex
The strategy, to be presented to the European Council of Ministers in July, will include a proposal for research and development measures to be implemented in the areas of new materials and technical textiles.
We have to build upon our know-how in the traditional sector to develop new high-tech applications,” research commissioner Philippe Busquin said of the plan.
The EU textile industry can thrive if it invests in new production processes and materials, in innovative design and manufacturing systems and in training and skills.
The High Level Group will be instrumental in pooling the efforts of key players in identifying a vision and clear strategic research agenda in this field.
The EU is the world’s biggest textile exporter and second biggest apparel exporter with an annual turnover of about EUR200 billion.
From the Egytex news archive, first published on 11 March 2004. Figures and names are as reported at the time.
