International Conference on Footwear Export Promotion 2025: Opportunities for Cooperation in the ASEAN Region

The conference marks a significant step in strengthening supply chain connections, promoting trade cooperation, and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam’s footwear industry in the global export market.

The Transformation of Vietnam’s Footwear Industry in Regional and International Trade

Vietnam's footwear industry experienced a turbulent but successful 2024, with export turnover reaching $27 billion, an 11.45% increase from the previous year. However, rapid market changes, trade policies from major importing countries, and pressure to adopt greener production practices present new challenges for businesses. Deeper integration into the ASEAN region through the Vietnam-ASEAN Footwear Summit 2025 is expected to create new momentum for domestic enterprises.

A key highlight of this conference is fostering supply chain linkages within the ASEAN region, reducing dependence on raw material imports from China, and increasing the added value of Vietnamese footwear products. Manufacturers in the region are actively seeking ways to optimize production and leverage opportunities from free trade agreements such as RCEP, CPTPP, and EVFTA to expand exports to high-standard markets like the US and the EU.

Enhanced cooperation among regional footwear enterprises not only helps take advantage of labor and material cost benefits but also strengthens resilience against market fluctuations. The conference offers an opportunity for businesses to find strategic partners, expand sustainable production models, and integrate technology into manufacturing.

Technological Innovation and Sustainable Development: The Key to Footwear Export Success

Consumer trends are shifting rapidly, with increasing demand for eco-friendly products, sustainably sourced footwear, and low-carbon production processes. Major import markets like the US, EU, and Japan are tightening regulations on social and environmental responsibility, forcing businesses to innovate their production models to maintain market share.

The International Conference on Footwear Export Promotion 2025 focuses on supporting businesses in adopting digital technologies and automation in production, enhancing productivity, and reducing operational costs. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain are being applied to optimize supply chains, track raw material sources, and improve product quality.

Experts at the conference also emphasize the importance of green transformation, including the use of recycled materials, process optimization, and investment in renewable energy. Businesses leading this trend will not only meet strict international partner requirements but also strengthen brand value and competitiveness in the global market.

ASEAN Cooperation Strategies and Expanding Exports to Global Markets

Beyond connecting domestic businesses, the International Conference on Footwear Export Promotion 2025 also opens opportunities for ASEAN regional cooperation, aiming to establish a more sustainable and proactive supply chain. Countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines are heavily investing in their footwear industries, creating a comprehensive production ecosystem that helps regional businesses reduce reliance on external raw materials.

During the conference, major ASEAN enterprises and international corporations signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for collaboration, committing to mutual support in developing intra-regional raw materials, sharing production technology, and expanding global distribution channels. This is a crucial step for Vietnamese businesses to expand their market share in the US, EU, and other potential markets while leveraging the benefits of existing free trade agreements.

The conference also proposes practical solutions to help Vietnamese businesses optimize their export strategies, including improving product quality, enhancing labor standards, adopting technology in production management, and expanding international partnerships. With government support and proactive efforts from businesses, Vietnam’s footwear industry is well-positioned to achieve a 10-12% growth target in 2025 and maintain its status as one of the world’s leading footwear manufacturing hubs.

The International Conference on Footwear Export Promotion 2025 is not only a significant trade promotion event but also a milestone in Vietnam’s footwear industry’s sustainable development strategy. Amidst rapid global market shifts, leveraging ASEAN regional cooperation, adopting technological innovations, and developing a green supply chain will be key to increasing Vietnamese enterprises’ competitiveness in the international market.

With the success of this conference, Vietnam’s footwear industry is entering a new phase of development, where businesses focus not only on expanding exports but also on building brands, enhancing product quality, and meeting international standards. If this growth trajectory continues, Vietnam has the potential to become a sustainable footwear manufacturing hub with significant influence in the ASEAN region and the global market.