The Ministry of Industry and Trade says the industry achieved US$5.3 billion in export value last year and it is aiming for US$6.2 billion in 2010

It currently has 700 enterprises with a total of 750,000 workers, about 80 percent of them women.

Vietnam is now placed fourth among the world’s footwear exporters. The country’s products, mainly sports shoes, leather shoes and sandals, are exported to 50 countries. However, 70 percent of the materials used are imported and 70 percent of the enterprises only manufacture footwear for foreign-own company.

To gain a competitive advantage, the footwear industry has gradually restructured its production chains with a focus on designing mid-range and luxury products such as dress shoes and handbags to match the taste of both domestic and international customers.