The textile and garment industry is a sector of high economic, social, health and environmental relevance for both Asia and Europe. Textiles and garments account for one of ASEAN’S largest sources of exports, amounting to about EUR 35 billion in 2013. Europe imported textiles and garments totalling about €92 billion in the same year. The significance of these sectors for employment, economic growth and trade in Asia and Europe cannot be underestimated. When complying with the provision of favourable work conditions and occupational health and safety measures, the sector also has the potential to generate robust, positive impacts on gender balance (women account for the majority of the workforce employed by the sector), livelihood of households and com- munities, and skill development. Many Asian countries have historically played a key role in this sector, developing specific expertise along the supply chain of textiles and apparels. As countries continue developing and regional integration to- wards a common market moves forward, new cooperation patterns and opportunities arise for the sustainable development of the sector.
