Apparel Manufacturers Eye Vietnam As Product

Passage of the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement and the resulting reduction of import tariffs on products made in Vietnam has U.S.-based apparel and footwear companies looking at the Southeast Asian country as a sourcing partner for their products. The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) coordinated with law firm Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg; the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS); and the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (LEFASO) to sponsor a trade mission to Vietnam. The delegation met with government officials and industrial zone and trade association representatives, and visited factories. AAFA officials are optimistic regarding long-term opportunities open to AAFA members.

May 2002