The intensifying of COVID-19 situation may impact Vietnam’s textiles and garment sector, believe industry experts. The situation in HCMC, in particular, may drag the sector down in the remaining months of the year, they opine. Pham Xuan Hong, Head, HCMC Association of Garment, Textile, Embroidery and Knitting (AGTEX) says, growing infection amongst workers employed in textile and garment firms in HCMC may hamper work and delay order fulfillment. These workers are concentrated in certain place which increases their risks of getting infected, adds Le Tien Truong, Chairman, Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex). This many lead to a breakdown in the production chain is likely to be broken amid the outbreak.

Vinatex and AGTEK have urged the government to prioritize vaccination for garment and textile workers. Most garment and textile firms have said they are willing to cover all vaccination costs.