Getting Through the Crisis Together 13: Disruption Continues: Protracted supply chain issues in Vietnam

Although textile and garment producing countries are restoring production to pre-pandemic levels, Vietnam finds itself facing survival challenges. Initially spared major COVID-19 outbreaks, the country faced an almost total lockdown in the latter half of 2021. With many textile and garment factories shutting down completely, workers availed themselves of the opportunity to return home when allowed – with many failing to return as facilities reopened. What does the future hold for one of the world’s largest producers? Will workers return eventually, or does the country face a systemic labour shortage requiring a new approach to recruitment? And what do good purchasing practices in Vietnam look like now factory owners are hesitant to take on too many orders for fear of being unable to meet deadlines due to a lack of qualified staff or facing resistance from buyers to pay for anti-epidemic costs? Speakers at this online seminar will provide a snapshot of the main obstacles to restoring production and examine the consequences of this from the perspective of major stakeholders. They will also provide an overview of the current situation and what 2022 might bring for Vietnam.