Viet Nam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) has petitioned the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to not increase import tariffs on polyester fibre from zero to 2 per cent.

VITAS’s move aims to remove difficulties for textile and garment enterprises, following feedback and recommendations of enterprises.

According to VITAS, enterprises still have to import materials and produce goods domestically. However, many are being forced to close operation as they cannot bear the high cost and expense, such as the Dinh Vu Polyester Fibre Plant in the northern province of Hai Phong.

VITAS has also proposed that the Government consider not raising regional minimum wage in 2018 and consider adjusting the insurance premium rates paid by firms to a more reasonable level, so that enterprises can mobilise resources aand improve their competitiveness to expand production and create jobs in rural and mountainous areas.

VITAS also recommended that the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) advise the Government on the amendment of Decree 60/2014/ND-CP on the conditions for licensing the import of printers for textile products.

According to this decree, the owner of a business will be allowed to import printers if they have a college diploma or higher in the printing industry or they must be granted a certificate of professional training by the MIC. — VNS