First Ever VIATT Attracts 17,262 Visits, Lays Foundation to ‘Harness Growth of Vietnam’s Textile Market’
23 March 2024: As the inaugural Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) drew curtains on 1 March 2024, Messe Frankfurt’s first integrated textile fair in Asia has positioned itself as an essential platform for entire textile value chain. Covering three major industry sectors, the three-day fair attracted 17,262 visits from 55 countries and regions, connecting with 409 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions.
Hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), VIATT 2024 was first trade fair organised by Messe Frankfurt and VIETRADE. The fair’s opening ceremony was officiated by Ms. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and Detlef Braun, Member of Executive Board, Messe Frankfurt GmbH. Addressing the fair’s positioning, Ms. Phan said “Ministry of Industry and Trade coordinated with Messe Frankfurt to organise VIATT 2024. Held for first time in Vietnam, the fair is dedicated to creating favourable conditions for international businesses in the textile sector and to integrate Vietnam’s industry with the global textile and garment production chains. With abundant international resources in technology and experience, VIATT will foster the growth of Vietnam’s supply chain in a sustainable direction.”
During his speech, Braun underscored the show’s potential “Vietnam, as a rising hotspot for textile industry, is a major market for us. Together with our trusted partners Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and VIETRADE, we will work closely to expand this show, and increase the competitive edge of the Vietnamese textile industry in the global market. Today is just the beginning for VIATT and we believe it will achieve enduring success.”
The ceremony was followed by the VIATT Fashion Show that featured Kilomet 109, a well-known Vietnamese fashion brand. Under the theme of “Sustainable Fashion, Around the World”, the event mirrored Vietnam’s increasing attention paid to its fashion industry, as well as the global demand for sustainable products. Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TiHTA), and XYX Material also joined hands to showcase their sustainable collections.
Across 15,000 sqm of exhibition space in two halls, the fair reflected the latest trends and innovations in the product sectors of apparel fabrics, yarns and fibres, and garments; home textiles; as well as technical textiles and nonwovens, textile processing, and printing technology. Many of the industry’s most well-known players, including Groz Beckert, Hohmann GmbH & Co KG, Kitsutaka Co, Kurabo Industries Ltd, Lenzing, Multi Glory USA Corporation, Nice Dyeing Factory, Stäubli International AG, and VEIT GmbH were in attendance, sharing similar views that Vietnam represents a crucial link in the global textile value chain.
“VIATT stands on the shoulders of one of the world’s fastest growing economies,” said Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “The fair was launched to help the industry supplement and harness the growth of Vietnam’s textile market. We are delighted that our expectations were met, as a strong contingent of domestic and international buyers connected with our exhibitors. The response from key suppliers was also very encouraging, laying a solid foundation for VIATT to build upon in the coming years.”
Exhibitors Feedback …
“Vietnam has a large textile industry, not only for garments but also for home textiles and accessories. This show is a very good idea, as all the buyers want to visit Vietnam, and here they can visit the whole industry together. The visitor flow has been good, not only from domestic factories, but also some buyers from Europe and USA. Every buyer is looking for a sustainability strategy, but they want a partner to support them in planning and achieving their goals.”
Raymond Kong, Market Development Manager, Asia Pacific, Testex Swiss Textile-Testing Ltd., Switzerland
“Quality of yarns and fabrics in Vietnam is improving every day. With the ASEAN market opening up various business opportunities, we are here to find new, high-end buyers. VIATT has a very strong lineup of overseas exhibitors, and so far we have met buyers from major companies such as Columbia, Hansae, GAP, YGM Trading, and S&G. We will join the next edition and hopefully establish further connections with buyers from Europe, Australia, USA and Canada.”
Ms. Trinh Phi Yen, Marketing Team,R & BD Dept., Eland Group (TC) Thanh Cong Textile & Garment Investment Trading Join Stock Co., Vietnam
“We are looking for new contacts in Vietnam, as we have made contacts in more or less the whole Asian market, but Vietnam is a new market for us. I have to say the first day was a very good start. We met some good contacts from countries outside Vietnam, from the Far East, and even from Europe. We have also arranged some meetings with Vietnamese customers. Through this fair we have a good start in this market.”
Andreas Schwarzbach, Sales Director, Hohmann GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
“At VIATT, we’ve had the opportunity to meet with real estate companies, design offices, and interior stores. We believe that our products are a perfect way to create a Japanese space anywhere, and we’re confident they will sell well in Vietnam. Our ultimate goal is to sell our products all over the world, and our plan is to first establish a strong presence in Vietnam and then consider local production to offer a more affordable price.”
Ryosuke Nishida, Business Promotion Department, Kitsutaka Co. Ltd., Japan
Buyers’ Experiences …
“We are a 100%-for-export sourcing company and garment manufacturer, especially outerwear and jackets. Our company is headquartered in Belgium, and our market is mostly in Europe, towards the high end. We have just arrived, but we have visited a few booths and are seeing what we like. We are looking for all kinds of fabrics and textiles, including wool, polyester, nylon, and of course sustainable materials.”
Marco Corrado, Director of Sales, Textyle Asia Pte. Ltd., Vietnam
“Our company is located in Northern Vietnam, and it has been producing fabrics for swimwear and sportswear applications for 15 years. We came to the first edition of VIATT to explore the wide range of suppliers across the textile value chain, as well as the opportunity of being an exhibitor in future. I believe that in next two – three years the market will become more positive.”
Ms. Sara Pelizzoli, Marketing Manager, Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing, Vietnam
Speakers’ Insights …
“My presentation is about sustainability circularity. Textile sustainability is a big topic and a collaborative effort between all stakeholders, from supply chains to consumers. However, the textile value chain, including fibre spinning, fabric, and garment industries, is very fragmented. So VIATT’s idea of bringing everyone under one roof is great because buyers can come to one place and get all the complete information.”
Winston A. Mulyadi, Commercial Head, Southeast Asia & Oceania, Lenzing, Austria
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.
The next edition will be held from 26 – 28 February 2025.
www.viatt.com.vn / contact textile@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com
