EURATEX took a dual step yesterday in reinforcing ties with the Canadian textile and apparel sector by signing joint policy declarations during Techtextil and Première Vision Montréal with the Canadian Industry Association and the Canadian Apparel Federation. The aim of this initiative is to enhance the opportunities created under the CETA agreement.
“CETA has delivered results for EU-Canada trade as a whole, but the textile sector has not yet fully benefited from its advantages. This dialogue aims to change that, with practical actions on rules of origin, SME support and alignment on sustainability,” explains Mário Jorge Machado, President of EURATEX, in a statement published on the organisation’s social media channels.
The key areas of action identified in the joint declaration include improving market access and visibility for companies in both jurisdictions, supporting SME participation by reducing the complexity of trade procedures, promoting sustainability, innovation and more resilient value chains, and reducing regulatory friction through closer cooperation and greater alignment.
“Despite duty-free access, companies—particularly SMEs—still face practical barriers related to rules of origin, regulatory differences and market visibility,” EURATEX further states, underlining the relevance of this joint initiative.
Within the scope of the Sustainable Textile & Apparel From PORTUGAL internationalisation project, the following companies exhibited on 21 and 22 April at the Grand Quay: Brito Knitting, Crispim Abreu, Dune Bleue, Fatextil, LEMAR, Magma Têxtil, Soeiro, TMR Fashion Clothing and Troficolor Denim Makers, joined by Portuguese companies Adalberto Textile Solutions, Nextil Group and Somelos Tecidos.
ATP – Associação Têxtil e Vestuário de Portugal closely followed the two-day fair on the ground through its Director-General, Ana Dinis. AICEP Canada also monitored the participation of the 12 companies.