A trade exchange to promote cooperation in Vietnam and Thailand’s footwear industries took place in Ho Chi Minh City on June 6.

The event, organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in collaboration with Thailand’s trade promotion centre and the Association of Thai Footwear Industrial Promotion, attracted the participation of more than 30 Thai enterprises.

Panjit Pisawong, a representative from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Trade, said the Thai companies, which operate in the footwear and fashion industry, want to establish direct contact with Vietnamese exporters, importers and dealers.

Diep Thanh Kiet, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association, said stepping up links with Thai counterparts will help Vietnamese businesses take the initiative in expanding markets.

Thailand is now one of the suppliers of footwear materials that satisfy origin requirements necessary in a number of markets such Japan and the European Union.-VNA