ISSUE 3/2005

An ITC project manager's enthusiasm for cycling led to a historic link between ASSOS, one of the biggest names in cyclists' clothing, and Textiline, a small, service-oriented Kazakh company. Together, they established the world's first line of "after-bike" wear.

ITC encourages LDCs that are members of the WTO to tap into MarketAccess Map, its market analysis tool, free until September 2006.

Exporters shipping coffee to New Orleans consulted ITC's Coffee Guide web site when the port was closed.

When big buyers and their suppliers use information technology in the clothing business, it is more than just adding computers to conventional commerce. It usually means suppliers take on new responsibilities.

To mark the United Nations' 60th anniversary this year, the UN office at Geneva and the city authorities are organizing events and activities for the general public. The initiatives help raise awareness among Geneva's population about the various UN funds, programmes and specialized agencies - including ITC - in the city, and how they work towards the Millennium Development Goals.

When quotas restricted Chinese clothing exports, manufacturers had to find new ways to compete. They diversified into producing every kind of garment, not just low-value products. The levels of skill and service they acquired in the process set new standards in the industry, which they could fully exploit once quotas ended.

It's a buyer's market in the textiles and clothing industry. In today's post-quota world, let the seller beware! The industry has gone through fast and wrenching changes, especially in the last year.Under pressure from buyers, clothing suppliers are becoming service providers. With buyers focused on their core business of retailing, the most competitive suppliers offer services that go far beyond sewing garments. Alliances with fabric and trim producers give manufacturers an edge. They brings manufacturers in at an early stage in providing an important service (sourcing) for buyers. Another "must" is related to information and communications technology. Big buyers now insist on technology applications that handle everything from stock management to design to bidding for orders. The articles below give you a flavour of trends and concerns from the perspective of developing and transition economies.

Pakistani officials took part in training and networking events, organized by ITC, to help them in the ongoing Doha round of trade negotiations.

© International Trade Centre, International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2005 Get Connected: E-applications in the textile and clothing sector 166 pages. Study focusing on how developing country producers could successfully apply new e-applications and secure post-quota exports in light of changing nature of

Mr Sok Siphana, a Cambodian national, joined ITC in October this year as Director of the Division of Technical Cooperation Coordination, which manages ITC's national and regional programmes. Mr Sok replaces Hendrik Roelofsen, who retired in October.

Reverse Internet auctions put clothing manufacturers in competition with one another to offer buyers low prices. By teaming up with textile mills and trim suppliers, manufacturers can bid prices that won't wipe out their profit margins.

Standards experts recommended measures to help developing countries, so that standards on goods don't act as trade barriers.

Many people now agree that there are clear links between trade and development. Yet the debate continues between those leaning towards a structured approach and those seeking a free rein for creativity in trade development.

Trade Forum online passed the "200,000 visits per month" mark in October, when more than 203,000 people from 180 countries visited the magazine's site.