On May 23, 2025, the Vietnam Trade Office in India successfully organized an online conference titled “Vietnam–India Cooperation in the Textile and Garment Industry”, attracting nearly 100 businesses, associations, and industry expertsfrom both countries.
This is the second webinar in the Trade Promotion Series 2025, part of Vietnam’s efforts to diversify markets, remove business obstacles, and enhance trade and investment connections, following the direction of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The goal is to elevate bilateral trade turnover to USD 20 billion in the near future.
Keynote Speeches and Discussions
Mr. Bui Trung Thuong, Commercial Counselor of Vietnam in India, highlighted that Vietnam ranks among the top three textile exporters in the world, reaching USD 43.57 billion in 2024, up 10.18% year-on-year. However, the heavy dependence on raw materials from China (nearly 60%) poses challenges for supply chain diversification.
He emphasized India’s advantages in cotton, yarn, and textile machinery production, identifying it as a strategic partner to help Vietnam reduce input costs by 22–27% under the ASEAN–India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA). Conversely, Vietnam can meet India’s rising demand for high-quality polyester fabrics and synthetic fibers, valued at around USD 1.2 billion annually.
Mr. Truong Van Cam, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), expressed that the current cooperation level does not yet match the potential of both nations. He encouraged green production, technology exchange, and sustainable supply chain development between Vietnam and India.
From India, Mr. Shri Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), noted that India’s textile sector is worth USD 170 billion, with exports reaching USD 37 billion in 2024. He viewed Vietnam as an ideal partner for creating high-value and flexible supply chains amid global restructuring.
Mr. Rajesh Bhagat, Chairman of Worldex India, recommended greater participation in trade fairs to foster direct partnerships and investment opportunities in machinery, technology, and textile supply networks.
From Vietnam’s silk sector, Mr. Tran Ba Phuoc Anh, Secretary General of the Vietnam Sericulture Association, introduced Vietnam’s capability in high-quality silk production and the potential to develop a Vietnam–India silk value chain.
Mr. Luu Tien Chung, CEO of LGG Garment JSC Bac Giang, shared his enterprise’s investment strategy in India, emphasizing India’s potential as both a key export market and a strategic production destination.
Strengthening Bilateral Supply Chain Connectivity
The discussion session was lively, with participants raising important issues such as coping with U.S. tariff risks, expanding export markets, boosting supply chain resilience, and sharing textile technologies.
The conference concluded successfully, providing comprehensive insights into the textile sector and paving the way for deeper, results-oriented cooperation between Vietnam and India.
The Vietnam Trade Office in India reaffirmed its commitment to serving as an active and innovative bridge promoting trade, investment, and sustainable development between the two textile powers of Asia.