Although Vietnamese leather and footwear products already meet many international quality standards, the industry continues to face challenges beyond production capacity, most notably the absence of strong domestic brands and limited global recognition.

To tackle this challenge, the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (LEFASO), in coordination with the Vietnamese Trade Office in Canada, facilitated the participation of dozens of Vietnamese companies at the recent largest leather and footwear accessories trade fair in North America, aiming to help businesses directly connect with partners, distributors, and local industry associations.

Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Canada Tran Thu Quynh emphasised that through the Vietnamese pavilion, Canadian businesses gain deeper insight into the potential for cooperation with Vietnam, not only in supply chains and export expansion, but also in areas such as brand development, production linkages, and particularly technological cooperation to steer the leather and footwear industry toward greener, cleaner, and more circular growth.

Canada is home to many strong footwear brands, while leather products, including handbags, remain key Vietnamese export items to this market. Vietnamese products are valued for their craftsmanship, stable quality, and capacity to handle large orders. However, to penetrate developed markets like Canada more effectively, Vietnamese companies must invest systematically in brand building and comply with increasingly strict standards related to environmental protection, labour, and sustainable development.

From a business standpoint, Than Thi Thanh Thuy, deputy director of Product Development at TBS Group, said the company is seeking to expand its customer base in Canada. Previously, TBS mainly exported indirectly via US partners, but it now aims to move toward direct exports, allowing for greater market autonomy and closer relationships with Canadian partners.

Sharing this view, Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, secretary general of LEFASO, said direct participation in the trade fair helps Vietnamese businesses better grasp Canadian consumer preferences and market trends, identify promising segments and product lines, and gather insights crucial for adjusting strategies and expanding market share in Canada.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Apparel and Footwear Association (AFA) of Canada Michelle Kofman noted that this was the first time Vietnamese businesses had participated in the fair, offering Canadian manufacturers and retailers a clearer picture of the scale and capabilities of Vietnam’s footwear manufacturing industry.

Kofman added that ongoing global trade fluctuations, particularly uncertainties in the US market, are encouraging Canadian businesses to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on a single source.

Domestic market still holds huge potential for textile and footwear industries

VOV.VN - As global demand for Vietnam’s textile and footwear exports becomes increasingly volatile, the domestic market is seen as a major opportunity if it is fully tapped, said industry insiders at a conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 22.