The Vietnam and ASEAN Footwear Summit 2025, held on March 17-18 in Ho Chi Minh City, was an exciting event that gathered experts, manufacturers, brands, and government representatives from the footwear industry to discuss the latest trends and challenges shaping the market. As one of the sponsors of this year’s summit, TradeLink had the opportunity to showcase our innovative RFID technology and connect with professionals from across the footwear and tech industries.

Why This Event Was So Important

Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, has become one of the most vital regions for global footwear production. The sheer volume of manufacturing capacity and the export potential is immense. But with the global economy constantly shifting and trade policies adjusting, the region’s footwear industry faces a mix of challenges and new opportunities.

The summit served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss solutions—from sustainable production methods and innovative materials to exploring how emerging technologies can streamline the footwear supply chain. It wasn’t just about addressing the industry’s problems; it was about sharing fresh ideas and working together to build a stronger, more sustainable future.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

The event was packed with insights into the evolving footwear landscape. Some of the key discussions included:

• New trade policies and their implications, especially in light of shifting US trade dynamics.
• Growing trends like footwear decarbonization and sustainable manufacturing practices.
• The rise of intelligent manufacturing solutions, optimizing end-to-end logistics, and using AI-powered supply chain management to transform the industry.
• An overview of the European footwear market and the exciting untapped potential of the Pakistani footwear industry.
• Engaging panel discussions that explored how businesses in the footwear sector are navigating the current challenges and embracing the opportunities.

The Big Insight: Vietnam’s Growing Role in Global Trade

Despite the challenges posed by new trade policies, there’s a world of opportunity still waiting to be tapped in Vietnam. Mr. Diep Thanh Kiet, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO), shared an encouraging perspective: Vietnam is uniquely positioned for growth. With its numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and a strong focus on high-tech industries like electronics, AI, and renewable energy, the country is entering what’s being called the fourth wave of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)—and the footwear industry is poised to benefit.

For us at TradeLink, this was a powerful reminder that even in times of change, there are huge opportunities for businesses that are focused on innovation and sustainability—especially in industries like ours, which are on the cutting edge of technology and supply chain management.

TradeLink’s Experience at the Summit

As one of the event’s sponsors, TradeLink had the opportunity to introduce our RFID technology to attendees and share the impressive results we’ve seen from its implementation. Visitors to our booth were excited to see how quickly and accurately our RFID and weight validation system could verify box content in just seconds. They were eager to understand how our technology could integrate with their current workflows, and we were happy to showcase how our solutions have already benefited global brands.

We also took the opportunity to make the experience even more memorable by organizing a mini game and offering fun prizes for lucky winners. The excitement and engagement at our table were fantastic, and it was a great way to connect with experts and industry leaders.

Watch the highlights and see how TradeLink is helping shape the future of supply chain technology in the footwear industry 👇🏻

Wrapping It Up: A Memorable Experience and a Bright Future

The Vietnam and ASEAN Footwear Summit 2025 wasn’t just about talking trends and challenges—it was a chance to connect, learn, and grow together as an industry. For TradeLink, it was an invaluable experience, allowing us to meet new people, expand our network, and showcase our commitment to innovation and sustainability.

As we head into the future, we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of technology in supply chain management. The insights and connections we made at this summit are fueling our passion for helping businesses streamline operations, improve efficiency, and embrace sustainability.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, and we look forward to building on these new relationships. Here’s to a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, driving the success of the footwear industry and beyond.