US footwear companies are looking to expand cooperation in Vietnam.

According to information from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, on November 14th (local time) in Washington, D.C., USA, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien held a meeting with leaders of businesses belonging to the Footwear Trade and Business Association (FDRA), led by Mr. Matt Priest, President of the FDRA. During the meeting, many US footwear businesses expressed their desire to expand cooperation in the Vietnamese market.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien works with leaders of enterprises under the FDRA. Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highly appreciated the role of FDRA and its member enterprises, and emphasized the importance of strategic coordination in the reciprocal trade negotiation process.

According to the Minister, textiles and footwear are sectors where Vietnam has a competitive advantage, focusing on upgrading value and promoting transparent and sustainable supply chains that meet international standards. To achieve these goals, Vietnam is focusing on strategic pillars: green transformation, full compliance with environmental, labor, and safety standards.

Furthermore, Vietnam focuses on developing supporting industries, exploiting new materials, clean energy, and circular production models, as well as a sustainable and innovative ecosystem. Simultaneously, it promotes international linkages and attracts importers, suppliers, and global corporations to participate deeply in Vietnam's production ecosystem; commits to transparency and sustainability, ensures a clean supply chain; and improves product quality according to standards.

During the meeting, representatives from FDRA member companies including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Columbia Sportswear, and FDRA shared deeper insights into the prospects for cooperation with Vietnam in a period of rapid change in global supply chains.

Many businesses share the view that they see long-term growth potential in the Vietnamese market and wish to expand cooperation. Beyond seeking manufacturing partners, these businesses also hope to connect more deeply into the domestic footwear ecosystem, from material development, design, and technology to sustainability standards throughout the entire value chain.

Furthermore, business representatives also highly appreciated Vietnam's persistent pursuit of reciprocal trade negotiations with the United States with a proactive and goodwill spirit. This consistency instills confidence in businesses because when a country maintains a clear and transparent stance, businesses can feel secure in making long-term investments.

The businesses participating in the meeting are all operating successfully in Vietnam and consider it one of the most important markets in the region. Many have built long-term production chains, supply networks, and partner systems in Vietnam, and view the market of over 100 million people as a key growth driver in their global strategies. However, current US tax policies are creating significant difficulties for businesses. High taxes increase costs, making it difficult to process orders or expand production.

Representatives of businesses affirmed that they will continue to exchange ideas, make proposals, and promote efforts to ensure that the voices of businesses are heard by the US government , helping to reduce the tax burden on goods and creating more impetus for long-term cooperation.

During the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged the results of cooperation and the recommendations of FDRA businesses. The Minister also provided further information on the progress of negotiations for the reciprocal trade agreement and expressed his hope that the business community would continue to have a stronger voice with the US Government and relevant agencies.

According to the Minister, the voice of the business community will contribute to promoting a more flexible and realistic approach, thereby accelerating the negotiation process and bringing about positive results for both sides sooner.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/doanh-nghiep-nganh-da-giay-hoa-ky-mong-muon-mo-rong-hop-tac-tai-viet-nam-20251115185906586.htm