Whatever strategy is adopted with respect to technology and marketing, skill development should
be an immediate concern because of the long gestation period for investments in human resources. The
emerging trend points towards a shift from the mass production of standard products, using
narrowly-skilled workers, towards more specialized products using a broadly skilled workforce and
universal, multi-purpose machines.
Skills and know-how not only have to be improved, but
are also required in areas which transcend a traditional industrial framework, because managerial
and marketing expertise are increasing in importance. Hence, in establishing training programmes and
institutions, both the short and long-term skill requirements of the textile/garment sectors have to
be considered. Moreover, the long-term trend for the textile and garments industries to diminish in
importance as providers of employment for women, to be replaced by high-tech industries and the
services sector, has to be offset by forward looking strategies for industrial human resources
development.
As producers are not likely to invest in what appears as a high risk
proposition in the present business environment, governments will have to assume the role of
initiator, coordinator, and cost-sharing partner of R&D and training schemes. This is of crucial
importance in the development of the relevant skills and know-how, as proved by the experience. At
the same time, the experience of these countries shows that the business community - for its own
good - should take an interest and participate in the design and execution of human resource
development measures.
Fairly advanced technologies are beginning to make an impact on the
large-scale textile industry. How marketing influences children and youth is the focus of the Food
Marketing to Children and Youth: Threat or Opportunity? the most comprehensive review to date of the
scientific evidence on the influence of food marketing on diets and diet-related health of children
and youth. Current food and beverage marketing practices puts children's long-term health at risk.
If children and youth are to develop eating habits that help them avoid early onset of diet-related
chronic diseases, they have to reduce their intake of high-calorie, low-nutrient snacks, fast foods,
and sweetened drinks, which make up a high proportion of the products marketed to them.
Recommendations for different segments of society to guide the development of effective marketing
and advertising strategies those promote healthier foods, beverages, and meal options to children
and youth. Recommendations are provided for the food beverage, and restaurant industries; food
retailers and trade associations; the entertainment industry and the media; parents and caregivers;
schools; and the government.
