In offering a platform for the entire textile value chain, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) has made a bid to harness the potential of one of the world’s most auspicious manufacturing hotspots.

Exceptional growth of the Vietnamese market

Vietnam’s textile and apparel industry saw astronomical growth from 2018 – 2022, rising 20 – 26% per year according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS). Despite a slowdown in 2023, there have been positive signs for the sector in the first half of 2024 – seeing over USD 37 billion in foreign direct investment and a 4.6% increase in exports.

Across the textile spectrum, international companies such as Avery Dennison, Groz-Beckert, and Hohmann can see the wider potential. “The Vietnam market is growing at a phenomenal rate; many businesses are setting up here with a need for superabsorbent technology,” said Mr Paul Rushton, Commercial Director of Technical Absorbents from the UK, one of the exhibitors at VIATT 2024. “This show has been a positive experience, and it will certainly remain on our radar. The superabsorbent technology is very new here, but visitors have been interested, they see that they can incorporate our technology alongside their manufacturing processes and end uses.”

Also exhibiting at the show’s previous edition, Mr Daniel Ohndorf, Sales Area Manager of emtec Electronic GmbH, said: “Our TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer is the only machine that simulates the feeling of a human hand, measuring fabrics’ texture, softness, and flexibility or stiffness. For this show, we are targeting mainly the Southeast Asian region, and the brands and garment producers at the end of the value chain. The potential in Vietnam and Southeast Asia is huge.”

Establishment of new zones for sustainability and innovation

The fair’s inaugural edition attracted 409 exhibitors and 17,262 visits from 17 and 55 countries and regions respectively. Looking to build on that solid foundation, VIATT 2025 will continue to showcase the latest industry trends, and expand its focus on various pertinent areas. This includes the debut of Econogy Hub, aiming to advance sustainable initiatives in the regional textile industry, and the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone.

The latter zone will allow exhibitors to unveil solutions such as AI design, digital manufacturing, and big data analytics, and help buyers navigate an industry increasingly focused on optimising production capacity, streamlining supply chains, and enhancing product quality to maintain competitiveness.

Linking all aspects of the wider industry, VIATT 2025 will be the ideal platform to facilitate cross-border trade, knowledge sharing and collaboration. The show is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE).