EU backs launch of talks with China on textile exports
AFP, Brussels
The European Union went a step forward Monday towards imposing limits on some types of surging Chinese textiles after member states voted in favour of opening formal negotiations with Beijing. The EU's textile committee, which represents the EU's executive commission and member states, approved a proposal by EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson to launch formal talks with China on a surge in exports of T-shirts and flax yarn. "Following the committee's approval, the decision to launch formal consultation should be taken by the commission on Wednesday," the commission said in a statement. Speaking to journalists at the European Parliament here, Mandelson said: "I am very glad that what I have proposed and the approach I am taking, this has found broad support among an overwhelming majority of our member states."
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