This phenomenon can most effectively occur when both the public officials and residents of the country in question can set and adhere to behaviors and policies that make emissions reductions possible.
Manufacturing definitely contributes to each country's ecological footprint, but the biggest factor tends to be transportation usage within the country.
If the country's government as well as the private corporations with larger presences in the country can cooperatively incentivize the use of electric or hybrid vehicles, as well as greater pedestrian and cycling transportation options, then we may see its footprint shrink.
The bigger overarching question is why is it so hard to have this happen.
Ideological debates rooted in long-standing practices, as well as social inequality and the costs involved in enacting environmental reforms can complicate the achievement of a reduced national ecological footprint.