Hanoi (VNA) –♑ Representatives from public private partnerships (PPP) in apparel and footwear yesterday signed a cooperation agreement for the two sectors’ sustainable development in Vietnam.

The cooperation, which is the first of its kind in Vietnam, marks a new step in promoting the sustainable development of the apparel and footwear sectors in terms of economy, society and environment. Participants in the PPP cooperation were the Department of Light Industry under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Environment Administration under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs, the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO), the Vietnam Cotton and Spinning Association (Vcosa), multinational companies such as Marks & Spencer, and IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative. The agreement was under the Race to the Top (RttT) programme with supports from all members. RttT has been an initiative of the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF), the Dutch and Danish governments, multinational companies including GAP, Nike, Marks & Spencer, Levi Strauss & Co, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, IDH, Better Work and producers. The programme aimed to provide support to apparel and footwear products and the application of global sustainable production in Vietnam. The agreement would see the cooperation of all members to enhance environmentally-friendly production, improve productivity, reduce negative effects on the environment and promote dialogue among labourers. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Flavio Corsin, IDH Vietnam country director said the programme expected to improve the economic and social benefits and reputation for the Government, the industries, workers and communities. RttT would create a supportive policy and regulatory environment for sustainable apparel production while encouraging manufacturers and mills to invest in environmentally-friendly technology, he said. Under the agreement, participants would quarterly meet up to review outcomes.-VNA