US footwear industry businesses wish to expand cooperation in Vietnam

According to information from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, on November 14 (local time) in Washington, DC, USA, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a working session with leaders of enterprises belonging to the Footwear Trade and Industry Association (FDRA) led by Mr. Matt Priest, Chairman of FDRA. At the meeting, many US footwear enterprises expressed their desire to expand cooperation in the Vietnamese market.

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

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

According to the Minister, textiles and footwear are areas where Vietnam has competitive advantages, focusing on upgrading value, while promoting transparent and sustainable supply chains that meet international standards. To achieve these goals, Vietnam focuses on strategic pillars such as green transformation, full compliance with environmental, labor and safety standards.

In addition, Vietnam focuses on developing supporting industries, exploiting new materials, clean energy and circular production models, innovative ecosystems, sustainable savings. At the same time, promoting international links and attracting importers, suppliers as well as global corporations to participate deeply in Vietnam's production ecosystem; committing to transparency and sustainability, ensuring clean supply chains; improving product quality according to standards.

Also during the meeting, representatives of FDRA's business leaders including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Columbia Sportswear and FDRA shared more in-depth perspectives on cooperation prospects with Vietnam during a period when the global supply chain is changing dramatically.

Many businesses shared that they saw room for long-term growth in the Vietnamese market and wanted to expand cooperation. Not only looking for production partners, businesses also hoped to connect more deeply with the domestic footwear ecosystem, from material development, design, technology to sustainability standards throughout the value chain.

In addition, business representatives also appreciated Vietnam’s proactive and goodwill in pursuing reciprocal trade negotiations with the United States. Consistency makes businesses feel confident because when a country maintains a clear and transparent stance, businesses can feel secure in investing long-term.

The businesses attending the meeting are all doing business effectively in Vietnam and consider it one of the most important markets in the region. Many businesses have built production chains, supply networks and long-term partner systems in Vietnam, and consider the market of more than 100 million people as the main growth driver in their global strategy. However, the current tax policy of the United States makes production and business very difficult. High taxes increase costs, making it difficult to calculate orders or expand production.

Business representatives affirmed that they will continue to discuss, propose and promote so that the voices of businesses are heard by the US Government , helping to reduce tax burdens on goods and creating more motivation for long-term cooperation.

At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged the cooperation results and recommendations of FDRA enterprises. The Minister also provided further information on the negotiation process of 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 from businesses will contribute to promoting a more flexible and realistic approach, thereby speeding up the negotiation process and soon bringing positive results for both sides.

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