Reflecting rapid investment growth in its textile sector, Vietnam will see the opening of its first dedicated sector trade event in 2024, with the inaugural Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) running from 28 February to 1 March.
Taking place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC), the new fair will cover three main product sectors: apparel fabrics, yarns and fibres, and garments; home textiles; as well as technical textiles and nonwovens, textile processing, and printing technology.
Discussing the fair’s prospects in the current economic climate, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK), said, ‘Despite a tough business environment globally, many companies in our industry have recorded a healthy growth in sales. During productive conversations with exhibitors at recent fairs, I sensed a strong belief in the wider textile sector’s prospects, especially in certain geographic hotspots. Multiple suppliers demonstrated concrete interest in showcasing at VIATT next year, and were eager for this unprecedented opportunity to grow their businesses in the Vietnamese market.’
Vietnam was identified as the ideal location for ASEAN’s new textile platform for several reasons, including the country’s pro-business policies, strategic geographical location, abundant labour force, and favourable trade agreements which are said to have have contributed to its rise as a global textile manufacturing hub. Agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP); the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF); and 15 free trade agreements (FTAs) covering over 60 countries and regions should enable participants from across the value chain to conduct cross-border business after connecting at the show. In addition, several key travel initiatives that serve international players have been implemented, including the country’s APEC Business Travel Card programme, availability of e-visas to all nationalities, and visa-free travel for certain countries.
Confirmed home textiles exhibitors include Hanyang Eco Tex, Hohmann, Phuong Nam Feather and SIGMA. International suppliers in the technical textiles category – which has shown strong export growth – include Julai and Skwentex.
VIATT is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), covering the entire textile industry value chain.
