IDH joins forces with government and industry associations in Vietnam to drive sustainability in country’s textile and footwear sectors
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development) and IDH, along with associations in the textile and footwear industries (Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association - VITAS, Vietnam Cotton and Spinning Association - VCOSA, and Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association - LEFASO), organised the international conference ‘Cooperation for Sustainable Development of Vietnam's Textile and Footwear Industry.’
This conference marks the first activity under the cooperation framework established by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and IDH regarding sustainable development in the textile and footwear industries. The conference’s goal was to gather input from stakeholders on priority action plans for sustainable development in the textile and footwear industries over the next three years, from 2025 to 2027, addressing pressing issues and challenges while seizing sustainable development opportunities for Vietnam's textile and footwear industries.
The conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), various ministries and localities, IDH representatives, representatives from VITAS, VCOSA, LEFASO, businesses, brands, and domestic and international organisations.
Speaking at the event, Ms Nguyen Thi Lam Giang, Director General of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development (EESD) (MOIT), emphasised:“The cooperation agreement between the MOIT and IDH, along with industry associations and stakeholders under the MoU, establishes a solid foundation for promoting sustainable development in Vietnam's textile and footwear industries. This conference aims to gather opinions from stakeholders on initiatives and priority actions to innovate, apply sustainable models, expand markets, and promote sustainable and circular supply chain linkages, contributing to greenhouse gas emission reductions, fostering green growth, and fulfilling Vietnam's international commitments regarding sustainable development and climate change in the near future.”
Regarding the outcomes of implementing national programmes and action plans on sustainable production, consumption, and energy efficiency, Ms Giang noted that the MOIT, as the coordinating agency for these programmes, has undertaken various tasks to support businesses in general and textile and footwear enterprises in particular. These include piloting some sustainable production and consumption solutions and energy-efficient practices. Moving forward, in addition to these efforts, the Ministry will continue to implement activities related to the circular economy in the industrial sector. The Ministry will prioritise activities aligned with the tasks outlined in the aforementioned programmes and within the MoU framework, specifically:
- Supporting the application of circular economy models to promote sustainable production and consumption.
- Certifying and labelling eco-friendly products in the textile and footwear sectors, encouraging and recognising enterprises for their good sustainable practices.
- Promoting trade and supporting market access and expansion for green products, recycled products, and low-carbon products that meet international climate change and economic standards.
- Sharing experiences and enhancing capacity while developing networks for sustainable cooperation and linkages within the supply chain.
Through collaboration between the Ministry and IDH, as well as associations and stakeholders, supporting the sustainable development of textile and footwear enterprises will remain a prioritised focus. The proposed activities at the conference will be incorporated into the implementation plan under the MoU for execution over the next three years, from 2025 to 2027.
Discussing the role and cooperation of the parties, Mr Huynh Tien Dung, Country Director, IDH Vietnam, acknowledged the roles of the MOIT, associations, businesses, organisations, and partners in implementing activities to support businesses in sustainable development. He emphasised:“The cooperation agreement between the MOIT, associations in the textile and footwear industries, and IDH is a prerequisite and important foundation to promote more effective public-private partnerships (PPP), especially in the context of the textile and footwear industries facing increasingly stringent sustainable development requirements from the market. Having a solid PPP will facilitate stakeholders to contribute ideas, intelligence, and resources, mobilising and coordinating efforts from government agencies, associations, businesses (factories and brands), and international organisations to build comprehensive solutions and initiatives. This will help Vietnam's textile and footwear industries not only develop more sustainably but also remain competitive in the international market.”
Representatives of the associations present at the event also highlighted that this cooperation will promote the participation and contribution of businesses in implementing sustainable development initiatives. They stressed the need for businesses to innovate and apply sustainable solutions and models in production and operations, fostering the development of sustainable chains to meet the requirements and regulations for sustainable development in the coming period.