increasing the textile industry's competitiveness by digitising and promoting

DNHN - The integration of production stages in the textile and apparel industry not only increases labour productivity and decreases expenses, but also increases the industry's competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

The connection between production stages in this industry not only increases labour productivity and decreases costs, but also increases competitiveness in domestic and international markets, attracts customers, and provides quick access to customers.

According to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas), the total export turnover of the textile and apparel industry in the first half of 2023 is projected to reach approximately 18.6 billion USD, a decrease of 17.6% compared to the same period last year. However, the textile and garment industry faces numerous obstacles, such as the existence of international inventories, high inflation in some major markets, the Fed's continued interest rate hikes, lingering effects of the pandemic, war, and diminished purchasing power.

The Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas) and Jack Company organised a workshop titled "Promoting digitalisation, greening textile production" to address these issues. Mr Vu Duc Giang, the president of Vitas, remarked that the entire Vietnamese textile and garment business community, including those with foreign investment, quickly adapted and found a way out through digitization and greening.

Simultaneously, it is not only the digitization and application of technology but also the greening of the textile industry. To reduce resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and water and chemical use, many large markets, such as the European Union, require textile products to have a long shelf life, be recyclable, and be reusable. This presents a significant obstacle for the textile industry.

President Vitas emphasised that the government has adopted the Textile Strategy 2030-2035, which will serve as the industry's foundation for growth. However, this is only a necessary condition; it is not sufficient. According to Mr Giang, the government must define a specific strategy for the development of industries, including the textile industry, and plan the required solutions in detail.

Specifically, the development of industrial parks to attract investment in the textile and dying industry is a significant challenge, especially when the supply is limited and import-reliant. It is worrisome that there are 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), many of which impose requirements beginning at the fibre level.

Therefore, President Vitas emphasised that the government must have a comprehensive plan and clearly define the responsibilities of each locality to attract investment in the textile and dyeing industry. This is not only the task of the future but also an urgent task of the present that requires reinforcements and a well-defined strategy.

Digitization and greening are inevitable trends in the textile industry's vision for 2050. Textile products must adapt to the concept of recycling and recirculation, which is not limited to paper products.

The government must therefore assist businesses in developing a greening strategy and investing in factories that meet work environment standards, treat wastewater and emissions, and utilise renewable energy. from solar energy.

In particular, a Natural Resources and Environment Fund is established to support green businesses with low-interest loans (between 0 and 2 per cent per year) to encourage businesses to comply with COP 26 commitments. Government funding is required for the implementation of this strategy.

PV (t/h)