Sweden, ITC announce programme to support textile and clothing exports from Arab states.

• Position: News Brief - Brief article

The Government of Sweden and the International Trade Centre (ITC) announced a new programme aimed at strengthening the international competitiveness of textiles and clothing producers in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, which promises to boost exports, create jobs and raise incomes across the Middle East and North Africa region.

The three-year programme is intended to support the four countries to build sustainable export-oriented sectors with increased sales to traditional markets in Europe and North America along with new markets in sub-Saharan Africa. Creating long-term and better-paid work, especially for women and young people, is a key goal of the project. Another goal will be to strengthen regional economic integration among the four countries under the Agadir Agreement, their 14-year old trade accord.

To achieve lasting improvements in the sector's export competitiveness, the project will focus on bolstering the capacities of national institutions such as textile and clothing business...