The USAID has announced plans of getting some major US apparel and footwear retailers and brands involved in a memorandum of understanding to help supply chain workers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The participants include Carter's, Gap, Global Brands Group, Levi Strauss & Co, Nike, Tapestry, Target, VF Corporation, Walmart, American Apparel and Footwear Association, National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the US Fashion Industry Association.

The announcement came at the third annual Indo-Pacific Business Forum held online from Hanoi, Vietnam on October 28-29, says a statement from the US Department of State.

It was sponsored by United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and co-hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-ASEAN Business Council, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Over 2,600 business and government leaders from the US and Indo-Pacific region are said to have participated in the forum.

The state department said the forum showcased high-impact private-sector investment and government efforts to support market competition, job growth, and high-standard economic development for greater prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

It also said to have connected business executives and government leaders, taught about the industry, regulatory and policy trends, and explored new opportunities for contributing to regional and global economic recovery.

Discussions have highlighted key themes including energy and infrastructure, the digital economy, market connectivity, health and economic recovery, US-Indo-Pacific partnerships and commercial opportunities and women's economic empowerment.

The US also spoke of new activities to improve access to affordable, secure, reliable, and sustainable energy through the advancement of expanded, transparent, and efficient regional energy markets.

This will be carried out in collaboration with the region's public and private sector alongside the US Department of Energy national laboratories, and United States Energy Association.

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette spoke at the forum.

Meanwhile, the US, Australia, Japan, and Palau on October 28 announced of moving forward with financing for the construction of an undersea fibre optic cable to the Palau which would ensure reliable, secure digital connectivity.

The statement also spoke of an Infrastructure Transaction and Assistance Network (ITAN), whose projects span the Indo-Pacific, with several in Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.