Vietnam has all the potential to be the ‘sustainable supplier of choice’ for textile and garment industry provided it continues its efforts and initiatives to protect the environment while manufacturing.
This was reportedly confirmed by a Government official at the Global Textile and Apparel Supply Chain Conference that was held in Ho Chi Minh City recently.
Vu Duc Giang, Chairman, Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) said that the availability of cheap labour has helped the industry create stable and well-paid jobs. The cost of labour is relatively cheaper in Vietnam compared to countries like China, Thailand and Indonesia. The Chairman also added that the free trade agreements have also been instrumental in moving Vietnam up the value chain in the garment and textile sector.
While lauding the efforts of the country to promote sustainability, he said that Vietnam is committed to implementing 17 goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development so as to ensure social, economic and environmental benefits. Besides, Vietnam and World community had ratified the much talked about Paris Agreement on climate change few years back.
Among the challenges, Giang said that the country is still majorly dependent on import for fabrics and raw materials. Also, more investment on technology is essential though, he said, there has been increase in technological awareness.
There was also talk on developing sustainable textile and apparel supply chain partnership with China. “The Chinese council has been committed to promoting the social responsibilities of China’s garment and textile firms,” substantiated Sun Rui Zhe, President, China National Textile and Apparel Council.
The annual conference, held by the China National Textile and Apparel Council, was attended by around 200 delegates from China Textile Information Center, China National Textile and Apparel Council and several other organisations including World Bank and WWF.
