Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has stressed that, in the midst of the current economic difficulties, it is the responsibility of textile, garment, leather and footwear businesses to maintain output, preserve traditional markets, develop new export outlets and ensure social security in order to meet targets set by the government.
Deputy PM Hai made these remarks during an online conference on production and exports during 2009, with textile, garment, leather and footwear businesses from Hanoi , Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City on Jan. 20.
Almost all of the attendant businesses expressed concern regarding the fulfillment of a plan to export almost 15 billion USD worth of products during 2009.
This year, the Leather and Footwear Association (Lefaso) has encouraged local businesses to assume control of the domestic market, establish domestic distribution systems, while developing traditional craft villages and footwear establishments, as well as aiming to improve the quality and range of their products.
In addition, Lefaso will be focusing its efforts on strengthening the nation’s brand and advertising the Vietnamese footwear industry at a number of international trade fairs and exhibitions. It has also proposed measures to promote cooperation amongst footwear manufacturers, with the aim of generating jobs for local workers.
According to Do Thang Hai, Director of the Trade Promotion Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Russian market will be the main focus of the 2009 trade promotion programme. In addition to visits abroad by trade promotion delegations, businesses are being urged to encourage foreign business delegations to visit Vietnam and to purchase Vietnamese goods. “Establishing conferences on Vietnam ’s range of export products will be an effective measure to encourage exports,” Hai said.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Bui Xuan Khu proposed that the State set up an export insurance fund soon to help exporters to break into new markets, as well as those deemed to be high-risk.
Khu suggested that in the first half of this year, the government allocate 50 billion VND for export promotion programmes that focus on the African, Japanese, East European and South American markets. He also proposed a financial assistance for businesses in the form of 50 percent of the interest on loans, in order to implement export contracts.
Deputy PM Hai said that the Government is to issue a number of policies regarding labour, investment in infrastructure, and the simplification of complex administrative procedures, to better support the nation’s businesses.
He spoke of the necessity of adopting more concrete mechanisms, including an export award mechanism to ensure production and to safeguard jobs for local workers.
The Deputy PM urged the associations, along with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to organise fairs and exhibitions to stimulate domestic consumption.
Hai also requested the associations and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to work alongside banks to remove obstacles for businesses that are experiencing cashflow difficulties.
