Textiles and footwear: Strengthening domestic market to enhance global competitiveness

(Chinhphu.vn) - Exploiting the domestic market will help businesses reduce their dependence on exports, while also providing consumers with the opportunity to access products that meet international standards, produced by reputable businesses.

Although always in the key export industry, Vietnam's textile and footwear industry has not yet affirmed its position in the domestic market - Illustrative photo

Although always in the key export industry, Vietnam's textile and footwear industry has not yet affirmed its position in the domestic market.

According to Mr. Tran Huu Linh, Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, in recent times, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has implemented many practical solutions to bring Vietnamese textile, garment and footwear products closer to domestic consumers. This is a necessary direction in the context of exports constantly facing barriers in major markets such as the United States, the EU, South Korea and China. Focusing on the domestic market not only creates stable output but also serves as a foundation for sustainable development.

Mr. Linh emphasized that exploiting the domestic market will help businesses reduce their dependence on exports, while also providing consumers with the opportunity to access products that meet international standards, produced by reputable businesses. This is a way to go hand in hand, both consolidating domestic positions and preparing for global competition.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), one of the major challenges facing the industry today is its dependence on imported raw materials. To improve this, the two industry associations have jointly established a Center for Raw Material Development to promote self-sufficiency in supply, a key factor in enhancing competitiveness.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Xuan, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO), commented that although Vietnam's textile and footwear industry is considered an "export star", it has yet to affirm its position in the domestic market. According to her, it is necessary to soon build a comprehensive strategy to develop the domestic market, based on comprehensive research on demand, consumer trends and challenges.

Besides, According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Dien, General Director of An Phuoc Shoe Embroidery Company, the situation of counterfeit and fake goods is widespread, causing serious damage to Vietnamese brands. According to her, whenever domestic products gain prestige, they are immediately counterfeited, typically An Phuoc or Pierre Cardin fashion products.

Mr. Le Van Thanh, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Dong Luc Joint Stock Company, also said that many of the company's sports products were counterfeited and smuggled across the border. This not only caused the company to lose revenue and reputation but also eroded consumer confidence. He recommended that there should be tougher measures from the control stage at border gates and on e-commerce platforms.

It is necessary to soon develop a comprehensive strategy to develop the domestic market for textiles and footwear, based on comprehensive research on demand, consumer trends and challenges - Illustrative photo

Building new brands and business models

Mr. Tran Huu Linh emphasized that Vietnamese goods, especially textiles, garments, and footwear, have reached the same quality as imported products. However, the major limitation lies in brand positioning and promotion. He cited examples of domestic enterprises such as Bitis', May 10, An Phuoc, Giovani, etc. that have succeeded thanks to persistent brand building, showing great potential if Vietnamese enterprises invest more systematically.

To improve competitiveness, the Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development said that businesses need to optimize production costs, effectively manage supply chains and apply technology to management. In addition, they need to boldly switch to an omnichannel business model, combining traditional and online to expand customer access and enhance consumer experience.

In addition, investing in R&D, developing sustainable products and applying artificial intelligence (AI) in demand forecasting and inventory management are also emphasized by Mr. Linh as important factors to improve competitiveness.

Anh Tho

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/det-may-da-giay-cung-co-thi-truong-trong-nuoc-de-nang-tam-canh-tranh-toan-cau-102250826163600834.htm