Vietnam’s textiles and garment industry is key to the country’s growth and development. It employs about 2.7 million people, of which a vast majority are women, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The latest report from the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association estimated that the textiles and garment industry will reach its target of US$39 billion in export revenue this year, equal to the 2019 figure. 

However, the COVID-19 crisis has hit the industry hard. In addition to factory closures and lost incomes, the pandemic has accelerated the drivers and megatrends that are changing textiles and garment production and work profoundly.

These include automation and digitalization as well as the introduction of greener and cleaner production to mitigate climate change. 

As part of the new two-year project starting in January 2022, the ILO will support the Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations in Vietnam to understand what skills the industry and its workers will need now and in the future.

The project will focus on those at highest risk of losing their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the increased automation and digitalization in the industries. This is an important step towards building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable industry with decent work opportunities for more women and men.

 “Skills development and lifelong learning plays a key role in addressing the impact of COVID-19, in building the resilience of workers and firms, and in shaping a future that works for all,” said ILO Viet Nam Officer-in-Charge, Nilim Baruah.

The Netherlands believes that a sustainable textile value chain is a precondition for a healthy recovery from the impact of COVID-19. 

“Sustainable business models, including employability and skills development, contribute to the various current and future challenges of the industry,” said Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Elsbeth Akkerman./.