Investing in renewable energy use, manufacturing, and green business management, the textile and garment enterprises are ‘keeping pace’ with sustainable development.
Mr. Truong Van Cam, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), stated that the textile industry has many enterprises located in industrial parks, with about 1,200 enterprises and 610,000 workers.
Textile and Apparel Enterprises Embracing Sustainable Development
In 2022, the export turnover of the textile and garment industry reached 44 billion USD, making it the fastest-growing export sector. Despite facing immense difficulties in 2023, the export turnover of the textile and garment industry still reached 39.5 billion USD. In 2024, it is projected to reach the high level of 2022 with many large markets such as the United States, Japan, and the industry’s trade surplus is always significant. Vietnam is also on the path to achieving net-zero emissions. The textile and garment industry has formulated strategies and directions for sustainable development.
Specifically, according to Decision No. 1643/QD-TTg approving the Strategy for Textiles and Leather Shoes until 2030, vision to 2035, the target of export growth of the textile industry in the period 2021 – 2030 is set at 6.8% – 7.2% per year, of which in the period 2021 – 2025, it strives to reach 7.5% – 8.0% per year. The goal is to achieve an export turnover of 50 – 52 billion USD by 2025 and 68 – 70 billion USD by 2030. The domestication rate of the textile industry in the period 2021 – 2025 is targeted at 51% – 55% and in the period 2026 – 2030 at 56% – 60%.
The direction from now to 2030 gradually shifts from a focus on rapid development to a focus on sustainable development based on digital transformation and green growth.
The direction from 2030 to 2035 aims for efficient, sustainable development based on a circular economy model. Improve the domestic value chain and participate in high-value positions in the global supply chain. Export and domestic consumption with regional and global brands.
Mr. Truong Van Cam, Vice Chairman of VITAS, also noted that rooftop solar power in industrial parks is very suitable for the state’s policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Textile and garment enterprises benefit greatly from investing in rooftop solar power, such as complying with the state’s policy: reducing energy from fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and achieving Net-Zero commitments by 2050.
Accordingly, Mr. Cam shared that currently about 30 – 50% of enterprises, depending on the region, have installed rooftop solar power.
In addition, meeting customer requirements: Greening, saving electricity, and using renewable energy. Suitable for the industry’s development direction from “fast” to “sustainable.” With large factory roof areas, especially in industrial parks, Mr. Cam believes that it is convenient for installation. Cost savings, proactive energy supply, increased price competitiveness, and meeting the requirements of product “greening.”
However, Mr. Cam also mentioned some difficulties in implementing the rooftop solar model and achieving sustainable growth.
Specifically regarding capital support mechanisms, Mr. Truong Van Cam stated that the textile and garment industry mainly consists of small and medium-sized enterprises that need capital support for rooftop solar power, green conversion, digital conversion, and circular business operations.
At the same time, there is a need to support workforce training, skill training for operational personnel. Cooperation, creating conditions for cooperation between three parties including enterprises, brands, international organizations…
Source: Cong Thuong
