Trade experts said Canadian attempt to restrict imports of
Chinese textile products is "improper for the occasion" and would
damage both countries.
Canada's parliament debated a motion last week calling for the
government to limit China's textile exports into the country to an
annual growth rate of 7.5 percent.
Member of Parliament Peter Julian introduced the motion,
claiming increasing textile and apparel imports from China had
injured the local textile industry.
"The move is improper for the occasion in terms of both
administrative costs and bilateral trade relations," said Cao
Xinyu, vice-chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import
and Export of Textiles.
The debate called for the two governments to launch negotiations
on textiles in accordance with China's commitments to the World
Trade Organization (WTO).
Cao explained even if an agreement could be reached within the
year, it would be in effect for only one year because China's WTO
commitments expire in 2008. It would be costly for both
governments, he said.
(China Daily February 27, 2007)