Vietnam earned 6.4 billion USD from exports to the UK in the first 10 months of this year, marking a year-on-year rise of 22%, reported the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

A series of events were held in Ho Chi Minh City from July 10-12 to promote trade exchanges among leather and footwear businesses of Vietnam and Italy.

Many leading fashion houses have switched from Chinese to Vietnamese makers of leatherware, acknowledging the improved quality of leather craftsmanship in Vietnam, industry insiders say.

Exports of handbags, wallets, suitcases, hats and umbrellas have so far been steadily optimistic, helping the industry meet the export target of 2.8 billion USD this year.