Passage of the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement and the resulting reduction of import tariffs
on products made in Vietnam has U.S.-based apparel and footwear companies looking at the Southeast
Asian country as a sourcing partner for their products.The American Apparel and Footwear
Association (AAFA) coordinated with law firm Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg; the Vietnam Textile and
Apparel Association (VITAS); and the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (LEFASO) to sponsor a
trade mission to Vietnam. The delegation met with government officials and industrial zone and
trade association representatives, and visited factories. AAFA officials are optimistic regarding
long-term opportunities open to AAFA members.
May 2002
