Trade experts said Canadian attempt to restrict imports of Chinese textile products is "improper for the occasion" and would damage both countries.

 

Canada's parliament debated a motion last week calling for the government to limit China's textile exports into the country to an annual growth rate of 7.5 percent.

 

Member of Parliament Peter Julian introduced the motion, claiming increasing textile and apparel imports from China had injured the local textile industry.

 

"The move is improper for the occasion in terms of both administrative costs and bilateral trade relations," said Cao Xinyu, vice-chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles.

 

The debate called for the two governments to launch negotiations on textiles in accordance with China's commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

 

Cao explained even if an agreement could be reached within the year, it would be in effect for only one year because China's WTO commitments expire in 2008. It would be costly for both governments, he said.

 

(China Daily February 27, 2007)