The country's footwear exports hit US$2.25 million over the past four months, up 9 per cent year-on-year.—VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub)— The domestic leather and footwear industry should work to build up its raw material supply chains to ensure sustainable future development.

That was the suggestion from the Ministry of Industry and Trade in a recent statement offering growth advice.

The industry needed to invest more in raw materials as it was too reliant on imported parts, the ministry said, adding this meant the sector was vulnerable to price volatilities in the world market.

The ministry also encouraged footwear producers to restructure and expand retail networks, while paying more attention to advertising their trademarks in the international arena and seeking new export outlets.

The country's footwear exports hit US$2.25 million over the past four months, up 9 per cent year-on-year, according to the ministry's statistics.

Local experts said the industry had enjoyed favourable conditions for boosting exports as most local businesses received steady orders for the second and third quarters of this year.

According to the Viet Nam Leather and Footwear Association (Lefaso), many Vietnamese producers were turning to new markets, including the US and Japan, in addition to their traditional business in the EU.

The sector would aim for export turnover of $8 billion this year, a 10.4 per cent increase on last year, the ministry said, adding that sport shoes and sneakers would remain the industry's key export staples in 2013, besides leather handbags and briefcases. — VNS