Vietnamese shoe firms assisted by Italian experts
Italian shoe experts will help Vietnam’s shoe and leather industry become more competitive, according to speakers at a conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 30.
Organisations in attendance included Vietnam’s planning and investment ministry, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Italian development cooperation programme and Ho Chi Minh City’s shoe and leather association.
According to those involved in the project, small and medium-sized enterprises will be the first to benefit. Italian experts will work with the local shoe and leather association to develop detailed programmes that will help increase production and quality levels.
Vietnam’s statistics office has reported that the country earned $2.8 billion from its shoe exports during the first seven months of 2010, up 13.8% compared with the same period a year earlier. July footwear exports were up 29.8% year-on-year and the target for 2010 is $6.2 billion.
