80 Years of Resilience, Innovation and Int’l Expansion

Over more than 80 years of development, Garment 10 Corporation (Garco 10) has established itself as a leading textile and garment enterprise and a symbol of disciplined, persistent, and creative Vietnamese workmanship.

On January 8, 1959, Garment 10 Workshop, the predecessor of Garco 10, proudly welcomed President Ho Chi Minh for a visit

From a small sewing workshop during wartime to a brand active in international markets, Garco 10 has preserved traditional tailoring skills while continuously adapting to change, building resilience and a clear ambition to expand globally.

Growing together with the nation

Starting with military uniforms produced through semi-manual methods, Garco 10 has, after nearly eight decades, left its mark on millions of garment and fashion products worldwide.

After the Geneva Agreement in 1954, northern Vietnam entered a period of peace, economic recovery, and reconstruction. In 1956, Garco 10 moved from the Viet Bac Resistance War Base to Hanoi, gradually expanding its scale, strengthening its organization, and improving workers’ skills, thereby establishing its earliest standards in management, quality, and work discipline.

On January 8, 1959, in recognition of strong performance in labor emulation movements, Garment 10 Workshop, the predecessor of Garco 10, was honored to receive a visit by President Ho Chi Minh. On February 23, 1959, the workshop presented him with two sets of clothing accompanied by a letter expressing sincere appreciation. Just over one month after the visit, on February 24, 1959, he sent a letter commending and advising all Garment 10 staff and workers to uphold their work ethic. He also presented one set of clothing as an emulation award.

From 1965, as the destructive war expanded to the North, Garco 10 dispersed its workforce and relocated production facilities, ensuring worker safety while maintaining output to support the front lines. Under harsh conditions, the enterprise sustained production capacity, trained its workforce, and preserved the organizational and disciplinary framework already in place.

After 1975, following national reunification, Garco 10 shifted to consumer goods production and gradually entered export processing. Its main markets were socialist countries in Eastern Europe, such as the German Democratic Republic and Hungary, as well as the Soviet Union, through protocols signed by the Vietnamese Government with members of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (SEV).

A turning point came during the renovation period, when Garco 10 adjusted its strategy, expanded cooperation, and moved toward demanding markets such as the EU, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Along with technological and management upgrades, the enterprise evolved from a traditional garment unit into a more integrated production, export, and retail organization, increasing value added and competitiveness during international economic integration.

Preserving heritage, advancing internationally

Over more than 80 years of development, Garco 10 has established itself as one of Vietnam’s representative textile and garment enterprises, built on a solid organizational foundation, experience accumulated across multiple historical periods, and a consistently developed corporate culture.

Currently, Garco 10 manages 18 member units as well as joint ventures and affiliates across seven provinces and cities, with more than 12,000 employees and annual production capacity of approximately 30 million products. Its domestic distribution system includes more than 60 stores and nearly 200 agents, providing broad market coverage and making the brand a familiar choice for domestic consumers.

On that basis, Garco 10’s development strategy in the next phase is aimed at proactive adaptation to global competition. It focuses on technological upgrades, modernization of production lines, and strengthening management capacity to meet increasingly demanding international standards. The adoption of advanced management models, process standardization, and tighter quality control improves productivity while ensuring product stability and consistency, which have supported Garco 10’s reputation over many decades.

Alongside technological renewal, Garco 10 has steadily strengthened its position in the textile and garment value chain. Moving beyond a simple processing model, the enterprise has expanded into higher value-added stages such as design, product development, and brand building. Garment 10 branded product lines have secured a stable position in the domestic market, while exports have been maintained and expanded through long-term cooperation with many international partners. At present, Garment 10 products are present in dozens of countries and territories, including markets with demanding standards such as the European Union, the United States, and Japan.

Sustainable development is defined as a core element of the long-term strategy and is closely linked to responsibility toward workers and society. Garco 10 has progressively implemented green production solutions, energy efficiency measures, and strict compliance with standards on environmental protection, labor conditions, and social responsibility. This approach supports deeper participation in global supply chains and continues a responsible development mindset established from the earliest days, where growth goes hand in hand with discipline, quality, and human values.

Milestones and outreach

The 80-year milestone of Garco 10 is not simply a time marker but an opportunity to review its development journey, reaffirm core values, and strengthen unity and cohesion across the organization. On that basis, commemorative activities were organized selectively, with attention to clear messaging and lasting value.

A series of traditional and historical initiatives, including the compilation of the 80-year commemorative book, the production of a documentary film, and the organization of thematic exhibitions, were implemented to systematize collective memory and revisit key milestones across development stages. These reconstructed historical spaces serve not only to recount the past but also to help today’s generation understand the values that shaped the corporate identity, thereby carrying forward responsibility and professional standards in a new context.

Across all commemorative activities, people remain central to every development strategy. Through meetings and exchanges among generations of managers and workers, and through the recognition of outstanding collectives and individuals, Garco 10 conveys appreciation for sustained contributions while affirming the decisive role of employees in preserving and developing the brand over the past 80 years.

Alongside honoring tradition, creative and brand-building activities were implemented to present a modern image of Garco 10. The launch of commemorative products together with integrated communication campaigns conveys the 80-year story in a way accessible to the public, reinforcing the image of a Vietnamese brand that continues to renew itself and remain closely connected to social life.

Regarding the significance of this milestone, General Director Than Duc Viet said: “We do not place weight on formality, but hope that every participant feels pride, cohesion, and the message of a Vietnamese brand that always stands with the community and the country.” According to him, this spirit connects the past with the present and provides a foundation for the next stages of development.

Building on its 80-year foundation, Garco 10 enters a new phase with confidence in its people, in the core values forged across generations, and with the aspiration to continue advancing in an environment of deep integration.

By Ngo Khuyen, Vietnam Business Forum