(Illustrative photo)

Participants assessed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and employees and discussed solutions to recover production.

Vietnam’s total export revenue since January to September, 2021 reached 29 billion USD. The pandemic has caused a lot of difficulties to the footwear industry, such as shortage of imported materials and interrupted export to key markets, particularly the US and EU.

Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Export and Import Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said: “We affirm that Vietnam continues to be a favorable location of supply chains for international brands, businesses, and associations. The supply chain of textiles and footwear has been well established in Vietnam.”

Experts recommended that businesses diversify input supply to avoid being dependent and take advantage of free trade agreement. They should upgrade technology and apply achievements of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution in their production.