In addition, the cooperation will support these institutions in understanding the governance structure of the global apparel value chain and industrial relations between brands and retailers and supplying garment manufacturers.

IAF will advise garment manufacturers on rules of origin requirements, address new buyer requirements in markets, reduce the environmental footprint of garment manufacturing and empower women’s work along the supply chain. ITC and IAF will co-create trainings in this regard.

Digitalization will also play an essential role in this agreement. Amid the pandemic, digitalization has become a crucial topic for the textile and clothing industry: brands, retailers and larger suppliers are expected to modernize their production and adapt to the latest trends.

Therefore, ITC plans several activities to address digitalization for GTEX/MENATEX partners and how to engage in a more collaborative relationship with brands and retailers using digital technologies.

Matthias Knappe, head of the Fibres, Textiles and Clothing Unit at the International Trade Centre, says: “The garment sector is an ever-changing industry that requires companies to closely follow global trends and requirements to be internationally competitive and continuously export. ITC wants to ensure that its partners and beneficiary companies in developing countries have the best support to meet the environmental and human rights requirements of global buyers.”