Over the last two decades, integration into 'Global Value Chains' (GVCs) has emerged as a key policy approach for development. The garment industry has been seen as an entry point to wider industrialisation for many developing countries, which is reflected in its emergence in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia and Jordan, amongst others. Yet, while the industry can provide high levels of employment and connect economies to GVCs, many of these economies have struggled to use the garment industry as the basis for wider industrial development. This research seminar examines the role that trade agreements can play in allowing countries to promote backward linkages in value chains.  Specifically, it explores the case of Vietnam’s experience with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and its pending free trade agreement with the EU.

Shamel Azmeh is a Lecturer at the Department of Social & Policy Sciences at the University of Bath and a Visiting Fellow at LSE Middle East Centre. 

Rachel Alexander is a Research Officer at LSE Department of Management. 

Hyun Bang Shin is Associate Professor of Geography and Urban Studies at LSE and SEAC Associate.

The Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre (SEAC) is a cross-disciplinary, regionally-focused academic centre within the Institute of Global Affairs at LSE.

The LSE SEAC Research Fund is a grant available to LSE faculty and SEAC Associates to fill a gap in the available support for social science research on issues relevant to Southeast Asia. Dr Azmeh's project was one of six that were awarded funding from the Research Fund in February 2016.

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #SEACResearchFund