According to the Vietnamese government, the country’s exports of leather and footwear soared 25% to $1.13 billion during the first half of 2003.

80% of exports were to the European Union (EU). The Ministry of Planning and Investment has urged industry officials to further expand markets in the US, Russia and Eastern European countries.

In 2002, Vietnam exported nearly $1.9 billion worth of leather and footwear products, as well as $1 billion worth of materials and accessories. Officials have set a target to increase footwear production 28% to 410 million pairs in 2005.

During 2003-2010, the industry will spend $302 million producing pelt, materials and accessories for the manufacture of shoes and other leather items, in order that they will produce 50% of the required materials in 2005 and 80% by 2010.

The country currently has 233 leather and footwear makers, including 80 private, 77 foreign invested and 76 state-owned.

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