National Day of Latvia organized by European Apparel and Textile Organization and Association of Latvian Textile and Clothing Industry Cooperation between the Ministry of Economics and the Association of Latvian Textile and Clothing Industry Dina Eglite Deputy Director, Department of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Policy Ministry of Economics of Latvia Riga, May 19, 2004 This document has been produced with the financial support of the European Community’s BSP2 programme. The views expressed herein are those of of CAST and can therefore in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Commission

Cooperation between the Ministry of Economics and the Association of Latvian Textile and Clothing Industry

Dina Eglite Deputy Director, Department of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Policy Ministry of Economics of Latvia Riga, May 19, 2004

The specific weight of textiles in Latvian foreign trade in 2003 The specific weight of textiles: in total export of Latvia – 12,6% in total imports of Latvia – 6,5% 84% of textiles produced in Latvia are exported

The specific weight of textiles:

in total export of Latvia – 12,6%

in total imports of Latvia – 6,5%

84% of textiles produced in Latvia are exported

Development of foreign trade with textiles in 2000-2003

Challenges of Latvian textile and clothing industry after EU enlargement Wider possibilities in: EU common market ( EU –25) framework of EU concluded preferential agreements Introduction of import quotas and double-checking system from certain third countries (for 8 months of 2004) Introduction of Common External Tariff Introduction of EU Trade Defence Measures

Wider possibilities in:

EU common market ( EU –25)

framework of EU concluded preferential agreements

Introduction of import quotas and double-checking system from certain third countries (for 8 months of 2004)

Introduction of Common External Tariff

Introduction of EU Trade Defence Measures

Preparation of Latvian companies for new regulatory environment after enlargement Seminars organized by the MoE and the Association (in Riga and regions) Informative publications in mass media Individual consultations in the MoE and the Association Website of the MoE

Seminars organized by the MoE and the Association (in Riga and regions)

Informative publications in mass media

Individual consultations in the MoE and the Association

Website of the MoE

Implications of enlargement Latvia will drop their prerogatives in external trade : denounce or re-negotiate international ag reements incompatible with the obligations of membership ( one of them Free Trade agreement with Ukraine)

Latvia will drop their prerogatives in external trade :

denounce or re-negotiate international ag reements incompatible with the obligations of membership ( one of them Free Trade agreement with Ukraine)

Main import partners among the third countries after 01.05.2004. (forecast)

Main export partners among the third countries after 01.05.2004. (forecast)

Future tasks of the Ministry of Economics in the framework of EU textile industry policy Innovation Labelling Research & Development - knowing consumer - variation of products (fashion) - branding

Innovation

Labelling

Research & Development

- knowing consumer - variation of products (fashion) - branding

Important issues for Latvia in the framework of the EU Common Trade Policy Widened access to third countries’ markets - abolition of non–tariff barriers - abolition of additional taxes and duties Regional integration with Euromediterranean countries (free trade area) Protection of intellectual property Prevention of unfair trade

Widened access to third countries’ markets - abolition of non–tariff barriers

- abolition of additional taxes and duties

Regional integration with Euromediterranean countries (free trade area)

Protection of intellectual property

Prevention of unfair trade

Latvian Export Promotion Policy Guidelines to strengthen export-promoting state institutions and their cooperation with non-governmental organisations; to enhance the competitiveness of Latvian companies at regional and global level; to provide quality information and financial support to companies to implement external marketing activities ( market research es, international exhibitions, trade fairs and missions ) ; to facilitat e entry into new markets and diversification of exports; to provide training to the managers of Latvian companies on international trade practice and development and implementation of marketing strategy for the companies; to provide access to export guarantees, credits and insurance services

to strengthen export-promoting state institutions and their cooperation with non-governmental organisations;

to enhance the competitiveness of Latvian companies at regional and global level;

to provide quality information and financial support to companies to implement external marketing activities ( market research es, international exhibitions, trade fairs and missions ) ;

to facilitat e entry into new markets and diversification of exports;

to provide training to the managers of Latvian companies on international trade practice and development and implementation of marketing strategy for the companies;

to provide access to export guarantees, credits and insurance services

Future prospects of cooperation between MoE and LATC Close and active work on proposals for the EC improving t/c sector competitiveness conditions; Establishment of favourable domestic framework; Building confidence of t/c companies working in free and fair international trade environment

Close and active work on proposals for the EC improving t/c sector competitiveness conditions;

Establishment of favourable domestic framework;

Building confidence of t/c companies working in free and fair international trade environment