China's textile exports are expected to increase by over 50 percent by 2010 from last year, according to the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) for the industry.

"The textile and garment exports will total US$180 billion in 2010," according to the plan.

The plan for the textile sector was drawn up over the past two years by the National Development and Reform Commission, China National Textile Industry Council and local government agencies.

As well as continuous growth in production and exports, the plan also forecasts a reduction in raw material and energy consumption in the sector over the next five years.

The 11th Five-Year Plan will be crucial for China to upgrade its textile industry, Du Yuzhou, president of the textile industry council, said.

According to the plan, the government and industry associations expect domestic textile enterprises to develop a complete industrial chain across China over the next five years.

It advises the textile industry in the country's coastal areas to seek the most advanced textile production technologies, designs and fashions and focus on products with high added value.

Experts expected central China and western China would use their advantage in labour and raw materials to secure part of the industrial chain from East China.

Under the plan, enterprises are also encouraged to develop more self-owned brands both at home and abroad.

The 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05) witnessed the fastest-ever growth in China's textile industry.

(China Daily June 27, 2006)