From July 10-12, Ho Chi Minh City became the hub of a significant trade exchange event, spotlighting the collaboration between Vietnamese and Italian leather and footwear businesses. Organized by the Italian Trade Office in Vietnam, Assomac (the National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leathergoods, and Tanning Technologies), and Lefaso (the Vietnam Leather, Footwear, and Handbag Association), the series of events aimed to bolster trade relations and technological exchange.
Agostino Apolito, General Manager of Assomac, emphasized the association’s dedication to introducing advanced, eco-friendly technologies to Vietnam. He highlighted Assomac’s commitment to meeting strict environmental and sustainable development standards.
Apolito also mentioned plans to collaborate with Lefaso and other agencies to create a detailed roadmap for the remainder of 2024 and beyond. This roadmap aims to ensure practical steps are taken to strengthen Italian-Vietnamese business partnerships.
Italian Ambassador to Vietnam, Marco Della Seta, underscored the importance of boosting trade with Vietnam, a major exporter of leather and footwear products. He noted that such efforts would significantly increase bilateral trade between the two nations.
Della Seta also announced the establishment of the Vietnam-Italy Footwear Technology Centre in Binh Duong Province. This center, equipped with cutting-edge machinery and technology from Italy and Europe, aims to facilitate technology transfer and human resources training for Vietnam’s leather and footwear industry.
The Vietnam-Italy Footwear Technology Centre is set to become a vital resource for small and medium-sized enterprises. It will aid them in product research and development, providing access to modern machinery and the latest technology from Italy and Europe.
The Italian Trade Office in Vietnam has been proactive in updating Italian businesses about the Vietnamese market through numerous trade fairs and exhibitions. Notably, the Shoes & Leather – Vietnam and the Vietnam International Footwear & Leather Products Exhibition (IFLE – Vietnam) were held from July 10-12 in Ho Chi Minh City.
This event attracted 18 leading firms in the leather and footwear sector, showcasing their latest innovations and fostering business connections.
On July 12, a conference dedicated to the future of the leather and footwear industry brought together Italian and Vietnamese companies. Participants had the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and gain insights from both local and international experts.
Lefaso President Diep Thanh Kiet predicted a promising future for the industry. He forecasted that Vietnam’s total export turnover of footwear and handbags could reach US$38-40 billion by 2030. However, he also highlighted the growing importance of adopting green technologies and securing a “green passport” to meet the stringent environmental standards of the European market.
In conclusion, the recent events in Ho Chi Minh City underscored the deepening trade relations between Italy and Vietnam in the leather and footwear industry. With a strong focus on sustainable development and technological advancement, both countries are set to benefit significantly from this collaboration. The establishment of the Vietnam-Italy Footwear Technology Centre marks a significant step towards a greener and more innovative future for the industry.
