As part of a workshop, held in Ho Chi Minh City on 10 April 2019, garment and textile companies in Vietnam were proposed ideas and suggestions to help them build strategies for sustainable development.
While addressing the workshop, Truong Van Cam, Secretary General, Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), said Vietnam’s textile and garment exports earned US $ 36 billion in 2018 (16 per cent up from 2017) and is now focused on achieving US $ 40 billion in 2019.
With the first quarter of 2019 already witnessing Vietnam’s apparel and textile exports earn nearly US $ 7.3 billion, it will be no surprise if the country exceeds the projected target much before the year ends. (Read full story here: https://vn.apparelresources.com/business-news/sourcing/vietnam-sees-13-3-per-cent-increase-apparel-textile-exports-q1/
He further added that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which officially became effective on 30 December 2018, is expected to create a driving force for country’s garment and textile sector in 2019 and the years to come.
Cam said that one of the major challenges for the industry was compliance with rules of origin and the companies need to actively work on this. Besides, there were talks on how businesses should adhere to environmental protection regulations. Corroborating on the same, Cam urged all garment and textile firms to focus on circular economy wherein they should save water and energy during the manufacturing stage.
“Improving quality of products and reducing the cost of production were key to enhancing competitiveness locally and globally.” – Vo Tan Thanh, Director, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), HCM City Branch
He also urged firms to move from ‘made-to-order’ products to self-created goods so as to make the industry more sustainable.
