Asia-Pacific meet to discuss non-tariff barriers By Our Special Correspondent NEW DELHI, DEC. 12. Issues relating to non-tariff barriers like environmental and social standards, which had wrecked the recent WTO Ministerial meet at Seattle, are to once again come up for a detailed discussion among India, US, Japan, Australia and 13 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region at a conference beginning here on Monday. The two-day meet would be looking at the ramifications of linking the non-tariff barriers with trade, specifically with regards to the textile and clothing industry. It would also discuss issues like market access, which are of special interest to India vis-a- vis the WTO regime and the agreement reached at the Uruguay round under which textile quotas are being phased out by the importing countries. The meeting, organised under the aegis of the Asia Pacific Textile and Clothing Industry Forum (ASPAC-TCIF) also assumes importance as for the first time the forum would be focussing on natural fibres such as cotton, jute, silk and wool, where India has a distinct advantage. In fact, one of the original objectives of the forum, formed three years ago at the initiative of Japan, was to focus mainly on man-made fibres. The shift in approach came at the last meeting of the forum, which was held at Manila in October last year. The participants felt that the it should focus on natural fibres too and consequently it is to form an important part of the agenda for the conference beginning tomorrow. The coming meet further assumes significance as it would also deliberate on measures to strengthen the textile and clothing industry in the region. The region plays a pivotal role in the world trade in textile and clothing. The conference would, however, not be confined to serious discussions alone. A fashion show is being organised on the occasion.
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