The central province of Thua Thien-Hue is considering the possibility of building an industrial zone exclusively designed for garments, an industry that generates over 20,000 local jobs.

Lying in the key central economic zone, Thua Thien-Hue is regarded as a garment and textile hub of the region.

With nearly 40 apparel production and processing firms, the province earned 500 million USD from garment shipments last year comprising nearly 80 percent of the local exports, said Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Cao at a workshop in the locality on May 5.

The industry grew by 32 percent in 2014, equivalent to 42.78 percent of local manufacturing value.

Initially, the province will focus on the support industry by providing incentives in land and raw material access, since most garment materials are now imported.

Participants suggested possible joint ventures to develop the complete value chain from synthetic fiber, weaving and dyeing to the end-user high quality products.

They also discussed ideas to develop the fashion industry and grasp opportunities arising from free trade agreements, especially the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The workshop was co-hosted by the provincial People’s Committee and the Coordinating Board of the Central Coastal Region.-VNA