Semones, Marianne Rutledge

Title:  Made in Vietnam: American Apparel and Textile Firms' Operations in Vietnam

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Author:  Semones, Marianne Rutledge
Degree:  Master of Arts - Southeast Asia Studies, 2005.
Advisor:  Yeong-Hyun Kim

Abstract
This study examines American apparel and textile firms' operations in Vietnam, and the future of their operations there. Vietnam has emerged as a newly industrializing economy in Asia in recent years, and its apparel and textile industry has been an important component to the nation's economic success. Since the signing of the U.S.– Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement in 2000, increasing numbers of American firms have been investing in Vietnam. Foreign direct inflows and exports have significantly increased in Vietnam since this time. American apparel and textile firms have found Vietnam to be a favorable site for their overseas operations and are looking forward to further expanding their operations there. While global shifts in the production of apparel and textiles are expected with the recent expiry of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, it is expected that the American firms will continue to manufacture their goods in Vietnam.

Subject Headings
Geography

Keywords
Globalization of the clothing industry; Vietnamese economy; U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement; American investment

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