The prestigious appointments are with the two UN agencies International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Trade Centre (ITC), which have invited Rudrajeet Pal.

“My appointment involves strategic mapping and identifying gaps in the trade and production of the countries concerned and then making recommendations on how to adapt in line with requirements from the European single market. My focus will be on sustainable and circular manufacturing and economy,” he said.

More specifically, these projects will touch upon the themes of recycling, product eco-design, and circular business models. Among other things, these projects will generate a roadmap for adopting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) principles and practices. 

The appointment for the ILO is focused on textile and clothing industry in Albania and is of particular importance amidst the discussion on accession of Albania into the European Union. The ITC project concerns the North African countries of Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Tunisia. All countries are in close proximity to the European market. Even though Asia still accounts for a large market share when it comes to textile exports to the European Union, given the increasing vulnerability in global value chains, nearshoring and proximity production is getting increased attention. This is what makes these countries of interest for collaboration for the EU single market.

“The fact that the expert appointments have been given to Sweden and the University of Borås is because we are considered to have the best competence and knowledge in the field. For the university, these appointments also mean valuable opportunities for increased collaboration with the relevant countries in textile research and education and prove our global outreach and impact in the field of textiles,” explained Rudrajeet Pal.

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The Global Textiles and Clothing Programme (GTEX) and the Textiles Programme for the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENATEX) have been implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The program is supported by SIDA.

Read more about GTEX/MENATEX 

The ILO's project in Albania is a collaboration between Swedish SIDA and the UN agencies UNDP, UNIDO, FAO, which all focus on the global goals.

Read more about the ILO's project in Albania 

The UN's sustainable development goals 

Rudrajeet Pal

Textile Value Chain Management research