Garments attaining the highest export value were mosquito nets, which generated US$4 million, a four-fold increase from a year ago. Other favourite products included sheets, shirts, jackets, children’s clothing, and windbreakers.

According to Uong Tien Thinh, general director of Ho Chi Minh City-based Vinatex Trade and Service Company, Africa will become a lucrative market for Vietnamese garments and other products if targeted marketing and promotion activities are carried out efficiently. He said thanks to use of local materials, Vietnamese garments suit African consumers in terms of their reasonable prices and patterns. 

The Ministry of Trade will conduct fact-finding tours of African countries to explore and expand business links with the huge market, with focus on increased garment exports. According to the ministry, trade ties between Vietnam and African countries have developed considerably in recent years, with Vietnamese exports to this market increasing from US$250 million in 2003 to US$660 million in 2005.