AAFA Calls on U.S. to Increase Vaccine Distribution to Partner Countries - Supports Safety Protocols in Vietnam

July 27, 2021 | WASHINGTON, D.C.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association continued its efforts to support the equitable global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in a letter to President Joseph R. Biden today. The letter from AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar highlighted the difficulties COVID-19 has caused in several partner countries, including Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, among others. Concurrently, AAFA sent a letter to Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính to support efforts to fight the pandemic, which has seen recent increases in the southern part of the country.

“I am writing to urge you to immediately ramp up distribution of excess U.S. vaccines to Vietnam and other key partner countries. This distribution should focus on key populations in these countries, particularly those populations that are critical to the economic success of these countries to quickly foster recovery from this humanitarian crisis and, ultimately, long-term health and stability. Without such a surge in targeted distribution of vaccines, COVID will instead destroy the very industries that these countries depend on for their economic livelihoods. Thanks to your leadership, the United States is the only country that can provide these vaccines, now,” wrote Lamar in the letter to President Biden.

Lamar also promoted the distribution of vaccines in his letter to Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, and encouraged his government to work “with the local industry – and, in particular, our industry partners in the apparel, footwear, and travel goods industries – to identify and deploy creative short- and long-term solutions to enable the industry to continue to function safely during this crisis.”

AAFA’s letter to President Biden can be downloaded here. The letter to Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính can be downloaded here.