STED Research report

Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification: Analysis of the textile and garment industry in Viet Nam

This report has been published under the project “Future of Work in Textile and Clothing: Forecasting and Developing Skills in Viet Nam to Advance Decent Work and Productivity in the Sector”, which is funded by the Governments of Japan and the Netherlands.

Content also available in: tiếng Việt

Over the past four decades, Viet Nam’s textile and garment industry has grown significantly to become a key part of the national economy. It has created millions of jobs, especially for women, and helped shift the labour force from agriculture to manufacturing to contribute national poverty reduction efforts. Despite this progress, the industry now requires a step change to upgrade its value chain and adopt a more sustainable and competitive growth underpinned by enhanced workforce skills.

The overall objective of this report is to provide key inputs towards developing a sector skills strategy for the country’s textile and garment sector. As such, the report will also serve as a valuable resource for a variety of stakeholders, including the government, employers, workers, industry professionals, educators, and training providers at university and vocational education and training levels, as well as those interested in the dynamic world of textile and garment.

The report should be considered conjunction with the companion document, “Towards a sector skills strategy for Viet Nam’s textile and garment industry: Priority skills needs, actions, and recommendations for education and training system”. This second strategic document provides more targeted and actionable recommendations based on the findings and contextual factors presented in this research report, incorporating outcomes from various consultations with sectoral stakeholders and relevant agencies.