A survey by the US-based non-profit Kearny Alliance Foundation shows that 90 percent of footwear exporters anticipate export growth this year, and 47 percent target the EU market.

It also indicates that 60 percent of footwear makers will maintain their quotas for next year.

While footwear makers are concerned about the EU’s 10 percent anti-dumping duty imposed on made-in-Vietnam products, survey respondents also noted that the 16 percent duty imposed on China gives Vietnam an advantage.

An abundant supply of raw materials, favourable government support and the large pool of skilled suppliers are among competitive advantages that Vietnam enjoys, said Alexander Boome, programme director of Kearny Alliance.

Tran Duc Trieu, director of T&T Fashion Shoes, said he is confident that Vietnamese footwear makers can meet the high demands of quality and budget conscious buyers worldwide.

Turnover from footwear exports reached more than US$1 billion in the first quarter of 2010, up 10 percent over the same period last year.

According to the General Statistics Office, the EU remains to be Vietnam’s largest importer of footwear with 48 percent of total exports, followed by the US and Japan.

According to the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (Lefaso), Vietnam now ranks fourth among the world’s 10 leading footwear exporters. Its footwear products are exported to 50 countries and territories worldwide.