The working session took place on 10/4, involving a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, led by Deputy Minister Truong Thanh Hoai, alongside representatives from specialized departments, the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso), and TBS Group. Discussions centered on production capacity, supply chains, and solutions to enhance the self-reliance of the leather, footwear, and handbag industry amidst global integration.
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The delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Truong Thanh Hoai, included representatives from specialized departments, Lefaso, and TBS Group. *Photo: TBS Group*
During the session, a representative from TBS Group outlined its multi-industry ecosystem development strategy, highlighting leather, footwear, and handbag industrial manufacturing as a core pillar. The company stated its commitment to accelerating technology application in production, gradually transitioning to a "smart factory" model. Digitalization solutions are being implemented across management, quality control, and supply chain management to optimize performance, minimize waste, and enhance transparency.
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Deputy Minister Truong Thanh Hoai (right) converses with a business representative during the working session. *Photo: TBS Group*
Representatives from Lefaso and the businesses also pointed out that the domestic fashion manufacturing sector heavily relies on imported raw and auxiliary materials. This dependency affects competitiveness and leaves businesses vulnerable to international market fluctuations.
Consequently, all parties agreed on the need to boost supporting industries, increase the localization rate of raw and auxiliary materials, and strengthen domestic supply chains. One key proposal involved establishing a comprehensive database for fashion industry businesses. This database aims to connect supply and demand, support policy formulation, and foster collaboration among manufacturing units.
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Ms. Duong Thi Kieu Phuong (center), Vice Chairwoman of Lefaso and General Director of Logistics, speaks at the working session on 10/4. *Photo: TBS Group*
Speaking at the session, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Truong Thanh Hoai commended the company's strategic focus on technology investment and developing domestic supply sources. He noted that this direction aligns with global manufacturing shifts and contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam's fashion industry.
A representative from the Ministry of Industry and Trade affirmed the Ministry's ongoing support for businesses in refining mechanisms, fostering supporting industries, and creating conditions for innovative models to thrive. The working session also served to strengthen connections among regulatory bodies, industry associations, and businesses. Through these efforts, all parties aim to develop the leather, footwear, and handbag sector into a modern industry, increasing its added value and deepening its participation in global supply chains.
Dan Minh
