The Thai Garment Manufacturers Association invited experts to advise them how to stem the decline in garment and textile exports by almost 14 percent in the first two months of 2009. David Birnbaum, a garment industry expert with the World Bank, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, confirmed that economic times were tough; demand for clothing has dropped sevenfold as worried consumers have tightened their belts. Birnbaum and other speakers recommended integrating relevant businesses together —spinning, knitting, weaving, bleaching, garment design, and others—to create a consistent supply chain, take orders and export an all-in-one production package. Cooperation among businesses lowers production costs and helps related businesses survive.