HANOI, May 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Vietnam has called on the United States and the European Union (EU) to eliminate all quantity restrictions imposed on textile imports from Vietnam.

¡¡¡¡During the 35th meeting of the International Textile and Clothing Bureau (ITCB) here on Monday, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Garment Association, Le Quoc An called on ITCB member countries to support Vietnam in removing restrictions that the U.S.government might impose on clothing imports from Vietnam, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Tuesday,

¡¡¡¡Vietnam calls for ITCB member countries' support of its proposal for the EU's increase of import quotas for textile and clothing, An said.

¡¡¡¡For several years, the textile industry has been considered oneof the country's major export sectors, making great contributions to Vietnam's economy.

¡¡¡¡The industry earned 2 billion U.S. dollars from exports last year, accounting for 24 percent of the country's total export turnover.

¡¡¡¡In the first four months of this year, the industry registered an export value of 608 million U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 6 percent. During the period exports to the United States reached 80 million U.S. dollars, five times more than the same period last year.

¡¡¡¡Vietnam plans to earn 2.4 billion U.S. dollars from the export of garments and textiles this year. Enditem

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