Mr. Ngo Duy Hieu, (standing) Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, speaks at the signing ceremony in Hanoi on June 22 (Photo: nld.com.vn)

The signatories were the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL), the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO).

The joint statement calls on the Vietnamese and EU Governments, and EU partners and brands, to provide timely and favorable mechanisms to support workers and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, simplify administrative procedures, create mechanisms and resources to help the textile, leather, shoes and bags industries.

Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, said the joint statement expresses the needs and aspirations of textile, footwear and handbag workers.

“We need joint action of partners. First, the Vietnamese government continues to provide support, removing administrative procedures to encourage businesses to ensure the welfare of workers. At the same time, we call on the EU, Vietnam's strategic partner and a friendly market, to implement their recently ratified free trade agreement,” Mr. Hieu said.