US helps Vietnam develop textile and garment industry

Hanoi (VNA) - The US 's cotton associations have pledged to help
Vietnam to develop its textile and garment industry, according to the
Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS).

An agreement on cooperation has been inked between VITAS, and the Texas Cotton Association and the Cotton Council International of the US.

Under the agreement, the US side will supply cotton and provide
technical assistance to Vietnam.

They will also help in personnel training and co-organise trade promotion activities.

The US is the biggest cotton supplier in the world, producing over 3.2 million tonnes in the 2008-09 crop. It is also the biggest cotton provider for Vietnam, making up 30 percent of the country's imported cotton volume.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has been in the top five exporters of textile and garment to the US for the past three consecutive years, with an export value of 4.29 billion USD per year.

This year, Vietnam is expected to export 5.4 billion USD worth of
textiles and garments to the US market to secure the second place behind China in the export of those products to the country.