President praises garment industry

President praises garment industry

President Truong Tan Sang has called on the garment and textile industry to focus on supporting local designers and workers to raise the quality of garment products made in Viet Nam.

The President made the request at a meeting yesterday in Ha Noi with representatives from 50 of the country's 60,000 garment enterprises. Representatives attended an award ceremony honouring outstanding businesses in the sector, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Viet Nam Textile and Apparel Association.

President Sang used the opportunity to praise the sector's contribution to economic growth, exports and job creation.

Viet Nam is hoping to expand its market reach in negotiating the signing of a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, he said, urging the garment sector to carefully monitor trade policies and seek ways to make the most of opportunities presented by the TPP.

The State leader also said he believed that the momentum of growth in the garment sector would lift its export turnover to US$25 billion in the near future.

In 2013, the sector brought in more than US$20 billion from exports alone, rising 18.5 per cent on the previous year. The sector has also created jobs for 5 million workers and 2.7 million jobs for workers in supporting sectors, including for a number people living in remote areas.

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