Vietnam’s earnings from garment and textile exports in the first quarter of 2017 rose 12.4 per cent against the same period last year. Exports to new markets grew strongly, with Russia up 115 per cent, Singapore 38 per cent, Cambodia 36 per cent and Brazil and India 34 per cent.

Traditional markets like the United States and the European Union saw more humble export growth at 6.3 to 6.4 per cent.

Exports of traditional products grew by 13 to 17 per cent while exports of newer ones, including swimming suits, raincoats and scarves, increased by 18 to 41 per cent.

New products and different ways to approach markets have resulted in higher and more stable growth, while helping the industry rely less on traditional partners.

Exports are expected to increase by ten per cent in the second quarter of the year based on the recovery of main markets such as the US, the EU and Japan as well as the stability of the global economy and politics.

The industry aims at a ten per cent growth to reach 32 billion dollars in export turnover in 2017. To achieve the goal, businesses have been encouraged to invest in new equipment and enhance competitiveness with new technologies.