(Photo: VNA)

The event was co-organized by the Cotton Council International (CCI) USA and the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS). VITAS Chairman Vu Duc Giang said each year, Vietnam imports nearly 400,000 tons of cotton from the US, accounting for 50 percent of its imported cotton. Giang suggested that the US Department of Agriculture step up the construction of a warehouse in Vietnam to support firms in the field, especially to meet the strict rules of origins for textiles and apparel provided by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

“The CPTPP has strict rules on the origin of textiles and apparel products which greatly affect Vietnam’s yarn production. We have many sources for materials but US cotton is still the best choice,” said Giang.

Vietnam earned 19 billion USD from textiles and apparel exports in the first half of this year, 8% more than last year.