ITCB is an intergovernmental organisation of developing countries, exporters of textiles and clothing. It is unique in the sense that it is the only international organisation exclusively of developing countries; managed and financed solely by them.

Why ITCB

Founded in 1984, ITCB arose in response to the long-running restrictions imposed by major developed countries on imports of textiles and clothing from developing countries. In the face of the unhappy experience with these restrictions, developing countries decided to join hands and work together to secure their elimination.

International trade in textiles and clothing was managed since 1961 under a separate set of rules, deviating from the basic principles of GATT/WTO. Initially incorporated in the so-called Short-term Cotton Arrangement in 1961, these rules continued to become ever more restrictive, first, under the Long-term Arrangement and, later, the Multi-fibre Arrangement.

These arrangements derogated from the basic principles of the multilateral trading system. GATT prohibited quantitative restrictions on trade; these arrangements validated them. GATT prohibited discrimination among countries; they justified them.

The short breathing space that these arrangements were intended to provide to industries in developed countries to achieve industrial adjustment turned out to be a quasi-permanent mechanism for restricting exports, essentially from developing countries. Covering only cotton goods in the beginning, these were extended to wool and man-made fibres by the MFA, and, in 1986, to practically every fibre in existence.

ITCB is dedicated to securing the elimination of discriminatory restrictions and protectionism directed against its members' exports. In doing so, it seeks the full application of normal GATT/WTO rules and disciplines to international trade in the sector. It works to uphold the rights of its members and to assist them in their effective participation in dealing with trade issues.

Under the ITCB framework, developing countries are able to receive and exchange information, discuss problems, and pursue their interests collectively. Effective co-ordination in textiles also provides encouragement for developing countries in their efforts to secure an international trading system that is more responsive to their needs and aspirations, especially as problems faced in this sector are generally experienced across a range of other sectors too.

ITCB Membership

ITCB members are: Argentina; Bangladesh; Brazil; China; Colombia; Costa Rica; Egypt; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Republic of Korea; Macau, China; Maldives; Pakistan; Paraguay; Peru; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Uruguay and Vietnam.

Cuba, Mauritius and Singapore have observer status at the ITCB.

Why, What and How of ITCB