HO CHI MINH CITY- The first ever Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will make its debut from 28 February – 1 March 2024. Taking place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), the new fair will cover three main product sectors, namely apparel fabrics, yarns and fibres, and garments; home textiles; and technical textiles and nonwovens, textile processing, and printing technology.
Vietnam is the world’s third largest apparel exporter, behind China and Bangladesh and is a popular sourcing hub among major apparel brands.
Discussing the fair’s prospects in the current economic climate, Wilmet Shea, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, 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 comprehensive textile platform for several key reasons. Vietnam’s pro-business policies, strategic geographical location, abundant labour force, and favourable trade agreements 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, will further enable participants from across the value chain to conduct cross-border business after connecting at next year’s 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 select countries.
Used for automobiles, civil aviation, construction, health care, and more, Vietnam’s exports of technical textiles reached US$676.6m for the first nine months of 2022, up 17 per cent compared to the same period in 2021.
Apparel-related products make up the lion’s share of the country’s textile exports – according to Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS), in 2022 these numbered US$29.1bn.
From Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, numerous international fashion brands have a manufacturing presence, including Adidas, H&M, Lacoste, Lululemon, Nike, The North Face, Uniqlo, and many more. At next year’s fair, exhibitors such as Avery Dennison, Lenzing, Stylem Takisada-Osaka, and Texwinca, will have a presence at the show.
The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), covering the entire textile industry value chain. For more details on this fair, visit www.viatt.com.vn or contact textile@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.
The inaugural edition will be held from 28 February – 1 March 2024.
