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| A garment factory of Ho Guom Group JSC in My Hao district, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA) |
Despite facing global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, fluctuating oil prices, volatile freight rates, slow economic recovery, declining global investment, natural disasters, climate change, and energy security concerns, the industry has demonstrated robust growth, Giang said at a press conference on November 19.
This year, Vietnam's textile and garment exports are expected to reach 44 billion USD, marking an 11.26% increase compared to 2023. The sector's imports are projected at 25 billion USD, up 14.79%, resulting in a trade surplus of 19 billion USD, a year-on-year growth rate of 6.93%.
The US remains Vietnam’s largest export market with turnover of 16.71 billion USD, up 12.33% compared to 2023 and accounting for 37.98% of total export turnover. It was followed by Japan (4.57 billion USD), the European Union (4.3 billion USD), the Republic of Korea (3.93 billion USD) and China (3.65 billion USD).
The official held that VITAS has played a pivotal role in supporting businesses by advocating favourable policies, resolving challenges, and organising over 70 training programmes and seminars nationwide. The association has also conducted extensive trade promotion activities domestically and internationally, helping to expand export markets and diversify both clients and product lines. This year, 60 new members joined VITAS, bringing its membership to nearly 1,000 official and affiliate members.
Under Vietnam's textile-garment and leather footwear development strategy, the industry is shifting from rapid growth to sustainable development by 2030. From 2031 to 2035, it aims to adopt circular economy models and secure a higher value position within the global supply chain.
As the leading body representing Vietnam’s textile and garment sector, VITAS will continue to drive innovation, foster collaboration among businesses, and implement dual transformation solutions to establish a sustainable Vietnamese textile and garment brand.
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| Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) |
Giang announced that the 25th founding anniversary of VITAS will take place in Quang Nam province from December 13–14. The event will provide an opportunity for industry experts, government officials, international partners, and textile enterprises to reflect on the sector’s achievements over the past 25 years.
Vietnam’s textile industry has grown from primarily serving domestic demand and a small export base compared to Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, to becoming the world’s third-largest textile exporter, behind only China and Bangladesh.
With a workforce of over 3 million workers, the textile and garment industry is Vietnam's largest employer, significantly contributing to job creation, income stability, social order, and economic restructuring. It has also played a vital role in increasing state and local budget revenues.
Over the last 25 years, VITAS has successfully connected domestic and international enterprises to establish supply chains. It has led trade delegations to major markets such as the US, France, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Australia to expand export opportunities.
Additionally, VITAS has actively participated in international organisations like the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX), and Asia Fashion Federation (AFF). Through these collaborations, the association has organised training programmes focusing on technology, design, branding, and sustainable practices, fostering modernisation and competitiveness within the global textile industry.
Long Sap–Pa Hang int'l border gate pair opens
The Long Sap (Vietnam) – Pa Hang (Laos) international border gate pair was officially launched with a ceremony held in Vietnam's Son La province on November 19, reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| At the event to launch the Long Sap (Vietnam) – Pa Hang (Laos) international border gate pair. (Photo: VNA) |
The Long Sap border gate was established on March 1, 1990 according to the 1990 Vietnam - Laos Border Regulation Agreement. It is located in Phieng Cai hamlet, Long Sap commune, Moc Chau district, Son La province, while its Lao counterpart in Pa Hang hamlet, Sop Bau district, Houaphanh province.
On December 22, 2020, the Vietnamese Government issued a resolution to upgrade the Long Sap border gate to an international border gate. Subsequently, on December 31 the same year, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent an official diplomatic note to the Lao side, notifying them of the decision and suggesting Laos promptly advance the Pa Hang border gate to the status. On September 16, 2024, the Lao Government approved the project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Minh Vu, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Border Committee of Vietnam, emphasised the significance of the international border gate pair, which is expected to facilitate exchange and development cooperation between Son La and Houaphanh provinces, thereby improving living standards of local residents and further strengthening their solidarity.
The official urged relevant agencies and local authorities in both nations to prioritise investment in socio-economic infrastructure in border areas and border gates, including the Long Sap–Pa Hang pair. He stressed that such efforts would bolster economic, trade, investment, and tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, regarded the inauguration as a vivid demonstration of the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive strategic comprehensive between the two countries. He noted that the event reflects the deep mutual trust and consensus between their leaders and citizens.
The official called for continued collaboration to maintain a shared border of peace, cooperation, and friendship. Such efforts, he added, would strengthen the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, ensuring its sustainability and growth for future generations.
Nguyen Dinh Viet, Chairman of the Son La provincial People’s Committee, noted Son La’s commitment to maximising the potential of this international border gate pair to serve local rapid and sustainable development and contribute to the Lao province’s sustainable growth. He stressed a vision for both provinces to integrate quickly, safely, and comprehensively into ASEAN and the international community, thereby actively strengthening and fostering the special friendship.
Vietnam, Malaysia eye golden partnership opportunities in Halal industry
Cooperation in the Halal industry can help Vietnamese products reach nearly 2 billion Muslim consumers worldwide, representing over 24% of the global population, according to Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz, reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) |
Zafrul said that during his visit to Vietnam in July, the two countries agreed to enhance their understanding and efforts to boost Halal collaboration.
Malaysia is committed to sharing expertise and supporting Vietnam in strengthening its position in the Halal value chain, including ensuring that products meet Halal standards, with full traceability from origin to retailers, restaurants, and consumers, he affirmed.
During previous visits by Malaysian Prime Ministers Muhyiddin Yassin in March 2021 and Ismail Sabri Yaakob in March 2022, the two sides underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in areas like Halal, logistics, Islamic finance, tourism, and Halal-friendly services.
The two sides aim to increase bilateral trade to 18 billion USD by 2025, capitalising on their respective strengths. Vietnam, with its diverse and expanding agricultural sector, is a key exporter of high-quality produce, while its proximity to Malaysia makes transportation both efficient and cost-effective.
Jamilah Haji Hassan, Senior Director of ASEAN Economic Integration at Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), expressed her support for greater collaboration between the two countries in the Halal food sector.
Vietnam has been exporting Halal food products to Malaysia since 2016, with exports totalling 5.32 billion RM (around 1.19 billion USD) between 2016 and 2020. Malaysia aims to help Vietnam become one of the top 10 Halal food exporters globally, offering expertise in Halal standards and facilitating better access to the Malaysian market.
Vietnam’s Halal sector can also benefit from the services provided by Malaysia’s trade promotion agency, MATRADE. Events like the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) offer valuable opportunities for Vietnamese companies to explore partnerships, he held.
Malaysia is currently Vietnam's second largest trading partner in ASEAN, and the 11th biggest globally. Meanwhile, Vietnam is Malaysia's third largest trading partner in ASEAN.
Scoot airline to launch Singapore-Phu Quoc route in late December
Budget Singaporean airline Scoot has unveiled that it will operate a direct flight from Singapore to Phu Quoc with a frequency of three flights running per week from December 20, reported the Voice of Vietnam.
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| Illustrative photo (Source: VOV) |
Following the launch of this direct flight, Phu Quoc will not only have the opportunity to welcome tourists from Singapore or Malaysia, but also from many countries in the region and around the world.
With the upcoming direct flight to Phu Quoc, Scoot will operate more than 30 flights per week to three destinations nationwide, including Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc.
The carrier is expected to increase the frequency to five flights per week from January 25, 2025, using Embraer E190-E2 narrow-body aircraft.
Nguyen Duc Khanh, general director of Tay Ho Tourism and Trade Joint Stock Company, said that the firm has high expectations for the new route as Phu Quoc is an attractive destination popular among international tourists due to its beautiful beaches and high-class resorts.
Scoot is in the process of expanding its flight network in Southeast Asia, whilst Phu Quoc is a strategic destination, he added.
Apart from securing its position in the regional low-cost airline market, the airline is expected to attract more tourists from Singapore and international markets to Phu Quoc, thereby making signficant contribution to developing the local economy, boosting tourism, and creating new business opportunities, he said.
Vu Tien Van, chairman of the Board of Directors of Adavigo Company, revealed that Phu Quoc is currently in its peak tourism season, with many direct domestic and international flights being added.
By the end of the year and into early 2025, more than 20 airlines are expected to operate flights to the island via regular and charter forms, with more than 100 flights per week coming in from many countries./.