Workers at Dony Garment Company in HCM City's Bình Chánh District. — VNA/VNS Photo
HANOI: Vietnam has set an ambitious target of earning US$48bil in export revenue for the textile and garment industry this year, according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas) – and industry insiders hope that sustainable fashion will help the sector achieve its goal.
The industry is one of Vietnam’s key sectors, providing employment for about three million workers.
Despite being heavily affected by the global economic downturn last year, textile and garment exports still reached US$44bil.
This year’s ambitious goal is particularly challenging given the increasing importance of sustainability and social responsibility in international markets.
For instance, in Northern Europe, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, consumers consistently prioritise environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.
Sustainable textile and garment products, made from organic or recycled materials and manufactured under strict environmental and labour protection standards, have increasingly dominated the market there.
Vu Duc Giang, chairman of Vitas, said that “greening” production in the textile and garment industry can help businesses meet the requirements of European importers while promoting sustainable development.
This was no longer just a future-oriented strategy. Vietnamese textile enterprises have been aware of the demands, and have been gradually adapting to meet them, for years.
Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy, trade counsellor at the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden and for Northern Europe, said that entering the sustainable-fashion market requires making high-quality products and adhering to new sustainability standards.
This is being reinforced by the European Union’s (EU) new Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, announced in March 2022, to minimise the environmental impact of the textile industry, improve resource efficiency and promote product circularity.
The strategy’s key objectives include reducing waste and environmental pollution from the textile sector, such as microplastic waste and harmful chemicals.
It also aims to increase the use of sustainable materials, including recycled or organic raw materials, and encourage the production of durable and reusable products.
Sustainable production and consumption would also help promote a circular economy.
The strategy focuses on implementing strict regulations on textile products sold in the EU, including durability, recyclability and eco-friendly production processes.
Thuy said that as one of the world’s leading textile exporters, Vietnam is well positioned to tap into the niche market.
“We have many advantages to leverage in this market, including abundant natural raw materials.
“Vietnam possesses a rich supply of organic materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, rattan and natural silk, highly favoured by Nordic consumers,” Thuy said. — Viet Nam News/ANN
