The Vietnamese textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) said that during the visit of the Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to the United States, the American Cotton Association promised that they would help Vietnam's textile and garment industry develop.

VITAS signed a cooperation agreement with the Dezhou Cotton Association and the international cotton Commission (CCI). CCI is a subsidiary of the national cotton Commission of the United States whose mission is to promote exports of cotton, cottonseed and American cotton products.

According to the agreement, the United States will provide cotton and technology assistance to Vietnam, and also help train personnel and organize trade promotion activities.

During the visit of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, the Vietnam textile and clothing association also expressed its willingness to participate in the USDA's business import and export support program. The USDA's request is to promote the export of US agricultural products to developing countries. CCI and the US Department of agriculture will provide information to create favorable conditions for Vietnam to join the plan in the near future.

The United States is the world's largest exporter of cotton, and cotton production is expected to exceed 3 million 200 thousand tons in 2008-09. The United States is the main supplier of cotton in Vietnam, accounting for 30% of Vietnam's imports of cotton.

At the same time, Vietnam has been one of the top 5 suppliers of textiles and clothing in the United States in the past three years, and exports US $4 billion 290 million annually to the United States.

This year, Vietnam's textile and apparel exports to the US are expected to reach US $5 billion 400 million, after second consecutive years in China's exports to the United States.