THAILAND: Textile Makers Fear Regional Blocs Will Obstruct Free Trade
Thai textile and garment traders are worried that markets worldwide will be sewn up by the time global free trade takes effect in 2005.They fear that the US and Europe could shut out other traders by striking deals within their respective regions.Quota restrictions that now govern trade are due to be abolished in January 2005 by the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing under the World Trade Organisation (WTO).