Experts from Europe explain footwear rules to HCM City traders

European officials and business executives explained key import regulations and recommended strategies to help Vietnamese footwear exporters seize opportunities, overcome barriers and minimise risks in the EU at a seminar held in HCM City yesterday.

Minister-counsellor for the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam and head of its Trade and Economic Affairs Jean Jacques Bouflet said: “Vietnamese exporters need to strengthen ways to enter the market, including by building retail distribution networks in the EU.”

The proposed EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement was expected to benefit the Vietnamese economy, especially industry, and so Viet Nam should more actively negotiate and conclude it to promote trade and investment, he said.

“The quality of products is also of top concern. So exporters should thoroughly consider quality standards. Social responsibility and environmental protection should not be neglected.”

Olivier Willocx , CEO of the Brussels Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses can first export to Belgium which will be a good indicator of similar success in the greater European market.”

He also suggested Vietnamese businesses to take advantage of the Brussels Import Agency, a new initiative by the Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry to help businesses by establishing links between importers and exporters.

It would also help them find new customers, new suppliers and new products, he said.

Nguyen Duc Thuan, chairman of the Viet Nam Leather and Footwear Association, said the industry hoped to achieve growth of just 10-15 per cent this year due to inflation and the hike in petrol prices.

The seminar was held under the framework of Multi-lateral Trade Assistance Policy Program Phase III (MUTRAP III) sponsored by the Delegation of EU to Viet Nam. — VNS

Tags: Europe footwear rules

Posted by VBN on Mar 11 2011. Filed under Garment Textile. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry