Project seeks to promote green garment-textiles industry

The Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) held a meeting for the VITAS’ environment committee in Hanoi on May 7 to seek ways to step up the sector’s environmental responsibility.



VITAS Vice Chairman Truong Van Cam said the garment-textiles sector raked in 31.7 billion USD and 36 billion USD in exports in 2017 and 2018, respectively. It has set a target figure of 40 billion USD this year.



However, it is also among the biggest greenhouse gas emitters, following electricity production, agriculture, road transport, and oil and gas production. The sector also faces serious social and environmental problems that have affected its reputation, he admitted.



In addressing these issues, WWF Vietnam and VITAS have been working together to carry out a project on Vietnam’s garment-textiles sector, improving water management and energy sustainability.



This project, being implemented from 2018 to 2020, looks to transform the sector into a sustainable and environmentally responsible industry.



Hoang Viet, sustainable development programme manager at WWF Vietnam, said global consumers are shifting their preferences towards environmental sustainability. This has forced many famous brands to change their production modes in which they have to meet higher environmental and social standards.



Therefore, if production modes are not changed soon, Vietnam will lose its competitive edge and many future opportunities, he noted.