This article reflects upon the role of the Competitiveness Forum of the Textile and Garment Production Chain in public policymaking, and presents suggestions/alternatives for this chain. It begins by presenting an overview of the competitiveness forum, outlining the concept, objectives and work methodology, which calls for a tripartite consensus (business, workers, and government) in public policymaking. In then examines the recent evolution of the textile and garment production chain, so as to present a balance of the identified problems and potentials. It analyzes the experience of this sectorial competitiveness forum so as to identify innovations and issues regarding the coordination and cooperation of the several agents involved in sectorial development policy-making. Finally, the article presents the main challenges and difficulties, focusing on two strategic issues: employment and income generation measures, and competitiveness development actions for the textile and garment production chain.
competitiveness; garment and textile production chain; public policies
