Vietnam's Dyeing and Weaving Technology Trails Behind Regional Countries by 15-20 Years
Vietnam's Dyeing and Weaving Technology Trails Behind Regional Countries by 15-20 Years
According to the data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in 2019, the textile and garment industry was one of Vietnam's largest export sectors (reaching over $39 billion). However, this industry had to spend $22.3 billion to import raw materials such as fabric, zippers, accessories, etc., for production.
This is a paradox because in developed countries, the supporting industry usually advances alongside or precedes the main industry. In Vietnam, however, the supporting industry lags behind.
Mr. Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, has acknowledged that the supply of raw materials in the textile industry is a significant bottleneck in taking advantage of the opportunities that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) brings. Therefore, the high rules of origin standards of the EVFTA will be a challenge for Vietnamese textile enterprises, especially in the weaving and dyeing stages.
According to the assessment of the Vietnam Textile Research Institute, the technological level in Vietnam's dyeing and weaving industry is 15-20 years behind that of other countries in the region. Due to the underdeveloped dyeing and finishing processes in Vietnam, enterprises have to export raw fabrics and import processed fabrics for use.
The Vietnam Textile Association believes that there must be mechanisms to promote collaboration between enterprises producing raw materials and those producing end products, forming a closed supply chain. This includes promoting the establishment of textile industrial zones with modern wastewater treatment processes to complete the dyeing-weaving-finishing cycle.
It is known that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently drafting a development strategy for the textile industry until 2030 - an opportunity to add another leg to the two-legged stool: weaving and garment manufacturing.
