Textiles And Clothing Sector In South Asia - Research Paper Example

Textiles And Clothing Sector In South Asia Introduction Presently, textile and clothing sector plays a significant role in Turkey’s manufacturing sector. The country is the ninth largest textile exporter and the fourth biggest exporter of clothing (Ankara University 2007). The industry contributes a large share of the Turkish Gross Domestic Product (GDP) most especially in the country’s export. The industry’s share to the country’s GDP is about 10 per cent with 10.9 per cent in total employment (Cukul 2008). The sector enjoys a large number of players (approximately forty thousand manufacturing companies) which employ about 1.9 million employees (Cukul 2008). Turkish textile and clothing industry recorded US$ 19.7 billion in exports by the year 2006 (Ankara University 2007). Cukul (2008, p.3) states that, Turkey is in a competitive position due to its developed infrastructure, strategic geographic position and skilled work force. Turkey is geographically located at a point where the world trade routes intersect and it is close to Central Asia where energy production is developing and this places the country at a naturally competitive advantage (Cukul 2008). In addition, Turkey produces high quality cotton. More over, the country has diversified in production by producing and exporting yarns, clothing, fabrics and household textile (Ozturk 2005). Turkish textile and clothing industry has developed due to certain factors. Since 1995, the country signed an agreement on customs union with the European Union which eliminated duty on goods and services from Turkey into the European Union (Cukul 2008). The success of textile and clothing industry is also attributed the country’s improved financial sector and the government’s support through stimulating credit access to the entrepreneurs (Atiglan 2006). Cukul (2008, p.3) brings out other opportunities that determine Turkey’s great success in this sector. The delivery period by Turkish firms in the international market is relatively timely as compared to other countries’ firms; flexibility in and quick response to payment terms; powerful production capacity of raw materials necessary to the industry; superior information and technical infrastructure; closeness to Europe. The above factors give Turkey a competitive edge over its competitors and this makes the country even stronger to out-compete emerging economies of China, Cambodia and Bangladesh and cushion itself against the changing competitive conditions (Cukul 2008). This is so considering the fact that Turkey’s large textile and clothing manufacturers are increasingly getting a bigger share in Italy and Spain which are synonymous with fashion in Europe (Cukul 2008). This can be done by fully utilising these resources which are an advantage to this significant sector which plays a key role in the country’s economy. The impact of the success of the textile and clothing industry has been felt in the entire Turkish economy and this has served in strengthening the country’s economy (Cukul 2008). Cukul (2008) asserts that the production of clothing is increasing at a very high rate and more than the total industrial production in the country and this makes the sector the pillar of Turkish export industry. Due to the key role played by the industry and its great contribution to the entire economy, it is paramount to maintain the industry’s success.  Statement of the problem The world economy is experiencing changes in competitive conditions particularly in the textile and clothing industry. This places Turkey in a dangerous position in the world economy. Rapid technological changes and changes in the world market are rampantly taking place and this has influenced the position of the Turkey and the role it may play in the world economy. Turkey’s competitive power is being compromised by the country’s hidden costs in transportation and customs, high costs of electricity, the overvalued currency in Turkey among other factors (Ozturk 2005). Lemoine & Kesenci (2003) notes that other countries like China are becoming key players in the industry and they are gaining competitive power over Turkey by offering new products characterised by dynamic international demand. This is due to low priced products attributed to significant high technology content, abundant and cheap labour supply, speed of reforms and restructuring of the economies among other factors (Zhang & Zhang 2005). Such changes in the competitive conditions and the means to adapt to the same pose immediate challenge to the survival of Turkey considering the significant role played by textile and clothing industry to the country’s economy. Aims and objectives of research The aims of the research will be to examine the state of the textile and clothing industry in Turkey and the changing competitive conditions in the industry and to examine ways through which Turkey has adapted to these changing competitive conditions. It is important to clearly state the objectives of research and these are clearly stated below. To examine the state of textile and clothing industry in Turkey To examine various changing competitive conditions in the textile and clothing industry To examine ways through which Turkey has adapted to the changing competitive conditions Significance of the study The study will guide policy makers in decision making processes during policy formulation and monitoring and evaluation in the textile and clothing industry in Turkey. It will be significant to the current and prospective entrepreneurs in the textile and clothing industry in Turkey putting into consideration the information it will impart on them on the current trends in the industry. It will also significantly raise awareness to the current and potential players in the textile and clothing industry in Turkey. It will also help the players in this industry to take up successful measures taken before as key coping strategies to adapt to these changes. The study will also inform prospective researchers and scholars who wish to conduct research in the same field. Literature review Overview of textile and clothing industry in Turkey Textile and clothing are very much related in production and trade. In essence, textile provides the main input to clothing and this creates vertical linkages between the two and hence making them interdependent. This study will look at the two as the textile and clothing sector because of their interdependence. The World Trade Organisation (2006) asserts that the textile and clothing industry accounts for approximately US$ 479 billion in the exports in the world and this translates to about 44 per cent share of the world export of merchandise. Lemoine & Kesenci (2003) supports this view and observes that textile and clothing industry is significant to the world economy due to three reasons. Firstly, it is has been used as a vehicle for many countries’ development journey. Secondly, the industry the industry has low barriers to engage in and lastly, it enjoys a great deal of protection by individual governments and regions more than any other industry. Young & Zhong (1998) compliment this by factually stating that the textile and clothing industry historically proved to be significant to the early industrialisation stages of many nations such as the case of Britain and Japan. Nordas (2004) states that textile and clothing industry is a dynamic and innovative industry but the level of innovativeness depends on market segment which are categorised as high quality fashion market and the low quality fashion market. The former is characterised by high skilled workers who are well paid in addition to up to date technology. Moreover, this market segment is flexible in production and meeting consumer’s needs and preferences and produces products that are cost effective. The latter is characterised with semi skilled and/or unskilled workers who are poorly remunerated and production of low quality products which translate into low prices (Nordas 2004). The state of the textile and clothing industry in Turkey Below are quick facts about the state of the textile and clothing industry in Turkey. Turkey ranks first in the production of organic cotton which accounts for about 40 per cent of the total production in the world. Turkey is also a major producer of cotton compared to other producers in the world. Turkey ranks at third position in the world for exports of cotton terry towels and bedspreads. In 2006, Turkey was world leader in the export of big bag. Source: Istanbul Chamber of Commerce 2008. Production of textile and clothing in Turkey dates back to the era of Ottoman (Ecran 2002). Production was extensively advanced in the 16th and 17th centuries (ITKIB 2010). Between 1923 and 1962 the textile and clothing industry in Turkey had developed and this enhanced productivity capacity to a very great extent (Ecran 2001). During this period, cotton, the chief raw material of textile industry, was extensively produced (ITKIB 2010). It was not until 1972 that the textile and clothing industry in Turkey attained substantial growth due adaptation of a development plan by the government (Dickerson 2005). Major foreign markets were opened in the 1980s and as a result, there was subsequent entry of Turkish products into these markets (Dickerson 2005). In recent years, the textile and clothing industry has witnessed progressive growth which in tandem with global trend and eventually surpassing global market rates (Ankara University 2007). The 1995 Agreement on Customs Union liberalised trade and consequently allowed access to the European Union markets and as a result, Turkey’s textile and clothing industry received a major boost for its exports to European markets (Ankara University 2007). The resultant implementation of the economic program further resulted to a more conducive business environment that ensured more growth and development of the sector and the Turkish economy at large (Cukul 2008). Ankara University (2007, p.10) agrees with this view and compliments it by stating that the subsequent investment boom in the industry between 1995 and 2000 accounted for Turkey’s good performance in the export of textile and clothing products in the European Union with the country ranking second after People’s Republic of China. The 1990s witnessed an increase in the production capacity of textile and clothing products as a result of the customs union with the European Union (Dickerson 2005). With regards to machinery capacity, Turkey had 3 per cent of short staple spinning capability of the world, 5 per cent of long staple spinning capability of the world, 7.3 per cent of OE rotor capacity of the world, 3.5 per cent of shuttle less weaving looms capability of the world, 1.9 percent of shuttle weaving looms capability of the world and 1.5 per cent of wool weaving looms capability of the world by the year 2008 (ITKIB 2010). In addition to the employment of a highly and entrepreneurial workforce and modern technology, the Turkish government supported the industry by guaranteeing loans made by banks (Ecran 2001). Atiglan (2006) supports this statement and adds that an improved financial sector places Turkey at a more competitive position as compared to other producers of textile and clothing products. Ecran et al (2001) further supports this statement and notes that in 1995, this industry received 71 per cent of all bank guarantees by the government. ITKIB (2010) states that a closer look at the export sector, the country accounts for about 49 per cent of all the textile and clothing products to the European Union countries and also enjoys a 14 per cent market share into the former United Social Soviet Union (USSR). On the basis of country, the most important export markets for the Turkish textile industry are Italy, Germany, Poland, Romania and Russia (ITKIB 2010). While the major cities for textiles and clothing production are Bursa, Denizli, Izmir, Ankara, Kayseri, Gaziantep, Tekirdag and Adana, Istanbul is rapidly turning into a leading fashion centre due to both foreign and local investments made during the recent years (Istanbul Chamber of Commerce 2008). Ecran et al (2001) compliments this by stating that the world’s largest shopping centres and most famous brands are increasingly opening branches in Istanbul. Currently, textile and clothing sector plays a significant role in Turkey’s manufacturing sector. The country is the ninth largest textile exporter and the fourth biggest exporter of clothing (Ankara University 2007). The industry contributes a large share of the Turkish Gross Domestic Product (GDP) most especially in the country’s export. The industry’s share to the country’s GDP is about 10 per cent with 10.9 per cent in total employment (Cukul 2008). The sector enjoys a large number of players (approximately forty thousand manufacturing companies) which employ about 1.9 million employees (Cukul 2008). Turkish textile and clothing industry recorded US$ 19.7 billion in exports by the year 2006 (Ankara University 2007). Despite the significant role played by the textile and clothing industry to the country’s national economy, the government does not have a favourable policy framework geared towards sustainability and enhancement of the country’s competitive power to the industry in the contemporary world economy that is globalising on a daily basis (Ankara University 2007). As a result, there progressive growth enjoyed by the country’s manufacturing sector in between 1980 and 1990 was reversed in the period between 1994 and 2001 (Lemoine & Kesenci 2003). Ankara University (2007, p.9) also observes that in 2006, the share of textile an clothing in the Turkish export sector experienced a decline from 26 per cent to 23 per cent following the country’s industrial restructuring. The textile and clothing industry experience low levels of cooperation amongst Turkish firms which has only served to undermine the benefits of working together in the inter-firm network (Ankara University 2007). However, a contrary view is that there is more cooperation amongst Turkish firms following the Istanbul Declaration, an initiative by Turkish manufacturers, that was established in February, 2004 in a conference that brought together ninety six organisations in the textile and clothing (Ankara University 2010). These problems are further complimented by other setbacks as discussed in the following paragraph. Turkey’s success in this key industry is compromised by the presence of high costs related to customs and transport (Cukul 2008). To add an insult to an injury, energy, particularly electricity and heat energy, is very important in the textile and clothing industry’s production and yet the cost of these significant inputs is high in Turkey as compared to other countries where it is relatively low (Ozturk 2005). The Turkish Lira has been overvalued as a result of an intervention by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which is places Turkey at a very dangerous position (Cukul 2008). Ankara University (2007) emphasises this issue that the overvaluation of the Turkish Lira as a result of a five year IMF programme is a critical juncture for the country and needs to be reviewed to more competitive levels of exchange rates. It is because of these and other setbacks that other economies are rapidly gaining competitive advantage over Turkey making one of the country’s driving forces of socio-economic development suffer a major drawback. Changing competitive conditions in the textile and clothing industry in Turkey In recent times, the global economy, particularly textile and clothing industry, is experiencing significant changes in competitive conditions. Ecran (2002) writes about the new century in support of this statement. This is in view of the fact at the present 21st century, there are very many economies that have invested in the textile and clothing industry and some of them like People’s Republic of China are gaining competitive advantage over Turkey and they pose a great challenge to one of the country’s largest export earners. Ecran (2002), who supports this statement, refers to the competitive conditions in the new century to be even harder for Turkey and he brings out four main reasons to sum it up. Firstly, China is an active member of World Trade Organisation (Ecran 2002). Cukul (2008, p5) is in agreement with this view as he states that the membership of China in World Trade Organisation since 2001 has provided the country with a more secure and predictable export market thus elevating it to the world’s third exporter. As a result, this changed the competitive conditions in the world market with China beating the global prices of textile and clothing by offering cheap goods and services. Ecran (2002) also cites the establishment of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as another factor that led to the changes in the competitive conditions in textile and clothing. This has changed the competitive conditions in the industry as it limited access to these markets because it promoted free trade amongst the member states (United States, Mexico and Canada) consequently making the products cheaper. This posed a major challenge to the textile and clothing industry in Turkey. To make matters, the United States of America has established the “9802 Production” which entails making special deals with small economies such as Costa Rica, Honduras and Dominican Republic and consequently, certain goods are produced for to be consumed in the United States (Ecran 2002). Enterprenuers from the United States have taken advantage of this by investing heavily in these countries and reaping the benefits of cheap labour while keeping these countries while keeping these countries under strict US control. Thirdly, the former Eastern European countries have become a hub for cheap labour by EU entrepreneurs (Ecran 2002). What this means is that the cost of labour has gone down hence reducing the cost of production and consequently reducing the market price for textile and clothing. Cukul (2008) agrees with this statement and continues to state that the reduction in prices of textile and clothing industry is the biggest setback facing the industry on the part of Turkey as it compromises the country’s competitive power. The customs union with the European Union made Turkey the largest supplier of textile and clothing to the union but interestingly these gains were reversed after the expiry of the quota system in 2005 by the World Trade Organisation, an action that enabled China take up leadership in the supply and export of textile an clothing to the European Union and the United States (Ankara University 2007). Lastly, after 2005, there was a total change into new rules and laws in the industry and as a result, new international trade conditions emerged (Ecran 2002). This came as a result of the integration of the Multi Fibre Agreement into the new Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) which phased out the quota system (Adhikari & Weeratunge 2007). All the trade barriers on textile and clothing were cancelled by the Agreement on Textile and Clothing and this was an opportunity for emerging economies such as People’s Republic of China (Ankara University 2007). Turkey felt the impact of the new anti-quota system with a major loss in the share of exports to the European Union. No wonder countries like China became key players in the industry in the subsequent years and they are gaining competitive power over EU countries like Turkey by offering new products characterised by dynamic international demand (Lemoine & Kesenci 2003). World Trade Organisation (2006) supports this fact after observing that the European Union suffered major losses in the export of textile and clothing products whereas exports from developing countries of Asia and Africa enjoyed a major boost in their exports. Adaptation to the changing competitive conditions by the textile and clothing industry in Turkey Evidently, the textile and clothing industry is currently experiencing rapid changes following changing market conditions in trade policies and other issues. This has seen many economies such as China gaining competitive power over Turkey due to problems that the country’s textile and clothing industry is facing (Cukul 2008). In fact the World Bank forecast that China is likely increase its share in the global market on textile and clothing industry by the end of 2010 as a result of the emerging international trade conditions in its favour (Cukul 2008). Ankara University (2007, p.21) supports this view by stating that other countries like China are placed at a relatively competitive position than Turkey most especially due to China’s low labour costs. Presently, China, Hongkong and Turkey have the most competitive textile and clothing industries in the world (IFM 2004). (Cukul (2008) urges Turkey to revise its policies in favour of its competitive position in textile and clothing in the world economy as other emerging economies threatens to overtake the country at the global level since it has better competitive power. In this regard, Turkey has taken up various measures to adapt to the changing competitive conditions as a means of promoting development and sustainability of the most significant sector of its economy (Ankara University 2007). Competition in the textile and clothing industry has stiffened and is getting harder and in response, the Turkish government and entrepreneurs have taken up a number of measures to cope with the changing competitive conditions. Ankara University (2007, p.26) summarises these strategies as shifting to from cheap production and fast fashion production; establishing new investments in other countries like Egypt that have low labour costs; enhancing marketing by establishing sales outlets in foreign markets. In 2004, the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Turkey adapted a branding program by the name “Turquility” which seeks to improve perception of Turkish products in the international market (Cukul 2008, p4). This program supports Turkish companies under a wide range of incentives which entails brand registration, marketing and distribution subsidies among others. In support of this, the government of Turkey subsidises marketing, branding, research and development in the textile and clothing industry (World Bank and International Finance Corporation 2006). Cukul (2008) states that the branding program was expected to increase Turkey’s competitive power but in contrary the same is experiencing a nosedive due to China which is offering cheap products attributed to relatively low labour costs as compared to Turkey’s high labour costs. Ecran (2002) states that entrepreneurs in Turkey have sharpened their skills by becoming more innovative in production, distribution, marketing and branding of their products so as to respond to the price consciousness in Third world countries and the rise in production cost in Turkey. In addition, Turkey is engaging in protection of property rights as well as intensive marketing and improved production and at the same time utilising technology to improve on quality so as to meet the consumers’ need and preferences (Ecran et al 2001). In fact, application of technologies account for 46 per cent, followed by training at 15 per cent, communication at 22 per cent and research and development at 17 per cent as many firms try to cope with the changing competitive conditions (Ecran 2002). Entrepreneurs in Turkey have had their focus shifted focus from quantity to quality (Ecran et al 2001). Ecran (2002) looks at this strategy as a great move and cites its consequence as there being a well-established fame of textile and clothing from Turkey all over the world because of their high quality. Ecran (2002) further compliments this view by stating that textile and clothing products from Turkey are associated with quality and this is a major factor in the pricing strategy because it significantly determines the prices of the country’s products This is a major boost to the country’s textile and clothing industry. Research methodology Research design Descriptive and analytical research design will be applied whereby qualitative analysis will be made basing on the variables that aims at examining how Turkey has responded to the changing competitive conditions in the textile and clothing industry. Certain factors influence the choice of this research design. Descriptive and analytical research techniques seek to comprehend a certain issue in research from a point of view that is well understood by the population that the research involves. Moreover, this research design describes how a certain population or group of people experience and understand a certain issue. Descriptive methods come in handy in identifying key socio-economic, political and cultural factors. This research designed is vital as far as the description of certain social phenomena is concerned because these issues take place naturally (Strauss & Corbin 1990). Silverman (1993) states that descriptive research techniques are significant and key to understanding the human element of research. An issue is understood holistically in cases where descriptive techniques are used (Beverley 1998). In this case, the study will be looking at the three major objectives which aim at examining the state of textile and clothing industry in Turkey and the changing competitive conditions in the industry and examining measures that the country has undertaken a ways of adapting to these conditions. These issues will be best brought out using descriptive and analytical research design where qualitative analysis will be applied. Types and sources of data Data collection techniques come in handy in the systematic collection of information about the objects of study which include but not limited to objects, phenomena and people and about the settings in which they take place. The study will use both quantitative and qualitative sources of data bearing in mind the nature of the research that will require review of literature. Qualitative sources of data will be used and they will include textbooks, policy statements, newspapers, magazines, working papers, reports and company publications. Quantitative sources will also be used and they will include market research, economic materials and planning documents. These sources of data are chosen because they are cost effective and consume less time. They are also efficient in conducting literature review because they are used to gain a perspective on current study and to compliment the work of other researchers. Furthermore, these data sources come in handy since they enhance collection of large amounts of information that is studied in details. In this case secondary sources of data will be effective as the study will be looking at the three major objectives which aim at examining the state of textile and clothing in Turkey and the various changing conditions and the strategies that firms and organisations in the country are taking so as cope in the changing competitive environment. Research plan Schedule of activities Below is a time schedule indicating the time scales of the major activities that will be involved in the study. Activity Month March April May June July August September October November December Literature Review Data collection Proposal writing Proposal to be submitted to the seminar tutor for recommendations Discussion with the facilitator for discussion of the proposal and obtain feedback on the submitted proposal Discussion with the facilitator for further recommendations Revision of the first draft Literature review and critical analysis Analysis of secondary qualitative and quantitative data Dissertation writing of the second draft The draft to be submitted to the facilitator for further consideration and recommendations Discussion with facilitator to discuss the second draft Revision of the second draft and drafting of the final copy The final draft to be submitted to the facilitator Discussion of the final draft with the facilitator Revision of the final draft and formulation of the final copy of the dissertation Printing and binding the final copy of the dissertation Submission of the final copy of the dissertation Expected outcomes The study expects to bring out the following results: The textile and clothing industry is a key player in the entire economy of Turkey as it contributes quite a large proportion of the gross domestic Product. The success of this industry is due to the country’s natural competitive advantage that it enjoys which ranges from its strategic geographic position to its closeness to Europe. Much as the textile and clothing industry in Turkey has experienced success, there are major setbacks that the country needs to address. These setbacks include an overvalued currency, high costs of transport and energy yet these are important inputs in production and low levels of cooperation amongst firms in Turkey. Despite the competitive advantage enjoyed by Turkey in the textile and clothing industry, the country is losing its competitive edge to emerging economies such as People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. This is as a result of the new competitive conditions in the international with regard to textile and clothing industry. These changing competitive conditions range from changes in trade policy to technology, demand and supply. In fact, this has placed Turkey at a very dangerous position putting into consideration the stiff competition the industry is facing. Firms and organisations in Turkey have undertaken various measures in response to the changing competitive conditions in the textile and clothing industry so as to maintain the country’s competitive position. These strategies entail shift of focus from quantity to quality, branding strategies, government subsidies among others. Expected limitations to the study Every exercise including research projects do undergo certain limitations that may make the projects suffer major drawbacks. The researcher understands this fact and hence has put it into consideration. As a result of this, certain limitations are anticipated in the study. It is expected that the study will be limited by factors brought out below and how they will be overcome is also pointed out. Time scope is expected to be a major limiting factor to the study. Time may not be enough for the research to make a comprehensive study. This will be overcome by using only secondary data, both, qualitative and qualitative, because the information is readily available which makes the research less time consuming. Financial constraints are also expected to limit this research project. The study may be faced with a problem of limited funds when trying to meet the costs of retrieving useful information from the online libraries, printing and binding. One needs to buy rights to access some books on the internet. All these will pose a big setback to the researcher. To overcome this limitation, financial assistance will be sought from sponsors, friends, relatives and other close associates with an aim of eliminating this challenge. Confidentiality and security of information on the Internet and other sources is a major issue. It is anticipated that information from reputable organisations, especially current information is tricky to access because of the confidentiality and security policies of these organisations. Some sites that one buys the rights to access these rights. To overcome this critical limitation, the researcher will search information from alternative sources such as public libraries and in case of scarce information more information will be sought from the internet. References Adhikari, R. & Weeratunge, C 2007, “Textiles and clothing sector in South Asia: Coping with post-quota challenges”, Centre for Trade and Development and Wiley India, New Delhi. Ankara University 2007, Turkish textile and clothing industry: A competitive analysis, SME Research Centre, Ankara University. Atiglan, T 2006, The effects of the textile and clothing sector on the economy of Turkey, fibres & textiles in Eastern Europe, Vol. 14, pp. 55-68 Beverly, H 1998, An introduction to qualitative research, Trent Focus Group for Research and Development in Primary Health Care, University of Nottingham. Cukul, D 2008, Competitive aspects of Turkish and Chinese textile and clothing industries, Anadolu University, Porsuk Vocational School, Eskisehir, Turkey. Dickerson, KG 2005, Textiles and Apparel in global economy, 3rd edn, Macmillan Publishers. Ecran, E, Veneziano, F, Gentile, A & Pilla, G 2001, Auditing analysis fashion faculty project report, Izmir. Ecran, E 2001, “Past, present and future of Turkish textiles and ready-made garments trade”, Korean Fashion and Design Association’s Annual Seminar, Seoul, Korea. Ecran, E 2002, Changing world trade conditions force the Turkish textile and apparel industry to create news strategies, Izmir, University of Economics. General Secretariat of Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters’ Association (ITKIB) 2010, Turkish textile industry. Istanbul Chanber of Commerce 2008, Turkey’s textile and apparel sector. Institute Francais de la Mode (IFM) 2004, Study of the implications of the 2005 trade liberalisation in the textile and clothing sector: Consolidated report, Paris. Lemoine, F & Kesence, D 2003, Trade and technology transfers: A comparative study of Turkey, India and China, Working Paper No. 2003, pp. 16-45. Nordas, HK 2004, The global textile and clothing industry post the agreement on textiles and clothing, World Trade Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland, Discussion Paper No. 5. Ozturk, HK 2005, Energy usage and cost in textile industry: A case study for Turkey energy, Vol. 3, Issue No.13. Silverman, D 1993, Interpreting qualitative data: Methods fro analysing talk, text and interaction, London, Sage. Strauss, A & Corbin J, 1990, Basis of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques, London, Sage. World Trade Organisation 2006, International trade statistics: 2006, World Trade Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland. World Bank and International Finance Corporation 2006, Doing business in 2006: Creating jobs, Washington D.C. Yang, Y & Zhong, C 1998, “China’s textile and clothing exports in a changing world economy”, The Developing Economies, Vol. XXXVI, No. Pp. 5-26 Zhang, W & Zhang, T 2005, Competitiveness of China’s manufacturing industry and its impacts on the neighbouring countries, Vol. 3, pp. 198- 227. Read More