Press Release

For Immediate Release October 25, 2005

Contact: Nate Herman (703)797.9062

AAFA Supports Doha Trade Coalition Efforts; Urges Ambitious Agreement

October 24, 2005 - Arlington, VA - The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) pledged its support today for the new broad-based industry coalition organized to encourage an ambitious agreement in the Doha Development Round of trade negotiations.

"AAFA is delighted to be part of this outstanding coalition of industry organizations that have long supported the concept of free trade," declared AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke.

"The US is serious about achieving real trade liberalization during the Doha Development round, and we urge other countries, including the EU, to follow suit," stated Burke.

"U.S-made and U.S.-branded textiles, apparel, and footwear are often kept out of markets by high tariffs and persistent non-tariff trade barriers maintained by many developed and developing countries. The Doha round is the best opportunity to get these harmful trade practices reduced and eliminated," Burke continued.

The Doha Development Round was launched in November 2001 as the latest round of multilateral trade talks. Trade Ministers from WTO member countries are scheduled to meet in Hong Kong in December 2005 to take stock of the progress in negotiating this round.

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The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, including several dozen U.S. textile companies, which compete in the global market. AAFA's mission is to promote and enhance its members' competitiveness, productivity and profitability in the global market by minimizing regulatory, commercial, political, and trade restraints.