According to information from the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, which also oversees the Nordic market, global fashion giant H&M will send a high-level sourcing delegation to participate in the Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 event, set to take place in Ho Chi Minh City from September 4 to 6.

This will mark H&M Group’s first participation at Vietnam International Sourcing alongside Nordic businesses, affirming the group’s rising interest in and strategic shift toward sourcing from Vietnamese suppliers. The move opens up new opportunities to elevate Vietnam’s export industry on the global stage.

The representative highlighted that Vietnam is regarded as a vital production market for H&M due to its wide-ranging manufacturing capabilities, geographic proximity to key supply hubs, and strong commitment to sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Vietnam’s efforts to localise production, especially in raw materials and inputs, are well aligned with H&M Group’s long-term vision of developing a resilient and circular supply chain.

Additionally, Vietnam’s participation in key trade agreements, including the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), helps enhance market access, particularly to the European Union.

Apart from manufacturing, Vietnam is also emerging as a promising consumer market. Since opening its first store in 2017, H&M has expanded to 14 flagship outlets and launched an online channel serving customers nationwide. The company now employs over 300 staff across its stores, offices, and distribution centers, a number expected to rise as H&M continues to scale up operations to meet increasing local demand.

Regarding supplier selection, H&M representatives pointed to a rigorous evaluation process focused on sustainability and long-term strategic partnerships. Key criteria include production capacity that meets global quality and volume standards, supply chain transparency and traceability, and strict compliance with environmental, social, and labor regulations.

As for how Vietnamese enterprises can integrate more deeply into global supply chains, H&M’s leadership stressed the importance of strong operational performance and a proven track record in sustainable development. Suppliers must meet international standards, commit early to renewable energy adoption, set clear climate targets, and maintain transparency in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Source: VOV