Vietnam’s textile and garment exports increased 22.5 per cent in Q1 FY22 to $8.84 billion. As per reports, many garment and textile companies in Vietnam were impacted by labor shortages during the pandemic which disrupted production and business activities in the country. Around 1,719 employees of Hoa Tho Textile and Garment JSC tested positive last month, says Tran Tuong Anh, Deputy Director-General. The company encountered many difficulties in arranging production plans, compelling it to reschedule delivery times, rearrange production plans and prioritize urgent orders, he adds.

The company also had to arrange different workplaces and canteen for the infected employees, he adds. 8-3 Textile Co also struggled with labour shortages during the COVID outbreak. The company had to rotate workers’ shift to ensure continuation in production and business activities.

Aligro JSC had to ensure its companies social and welfare interests to make them feel secure, adds Hoang Van Linh, Chairman, Hao Tho Textile and Garment JSC directed its infected workers to immediately stop work. It also provided them finance and meals post their return to factories. From a Zero COVID policy, Vietnam has changed its strategy to a safe and flexible adaption and effective control of the pandemic. The textile and garment industry has received orders till end of the year and is expected to earn $43 billion in exports this year.