As the inaugural Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) drew to a close on 1 March 2024, Messe Frankfurt says its first integrated textile fair in Asia has positioned itself as an essential platform for the 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. In addition to attracting top-quality suppliers, participants also noted the high calibre of buyers and the clear potential for growth at future editions.

Hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), VIATT 2024 was the 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 Mr Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board, Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

VIATT stands on the shoulders of one of the world’s fastest growing economies

Addressing the fair’s positioning, Ms Phan said: “The Ministry of Industry and Trade coordinated with Messe Frankfurt to organise VIATT 2024. Held for the 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, Mr Braun underscored the show’s potential: “Vietnam, as a rising hotspot for the 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 square metres 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.”

Exhibitor feedback

Apparel fabrics, yarns & fibres, and garments

“The first edition of VIATT has given us a good idea how the local market mechanism works. I can see a lot of serious buyers from not only Vietnam, but also from China, Malaysia, Japan and neighbouring countries. I am especially impressed by the machinery manufacturers and their innovative ideas. We will surely join the next edition and will bring a wider product range across different sectors of the industry,” commented Mr M Usman Arshad, Chief Marketing Officer, Kintex Group/Abdullah Textile, Pakistan.

Home textiles

“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,” explained Mr Andreas Schwarzbach, Sales Director, Hohmann GmbH & Co KG, Germany.

Technical textiles and nonwovens, textile processing, and printing technology

“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 Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Cambodia, even Taiwan, and we have had some good contacts and discussions already. Our long-term contact with Messe Frankfurt, paired with the cooperation from our new Vietnam sales partner, led to us deciding that this fair could be a good starting point,” reported Mr Daniel Ohndorf, Sales Area Manager, emtec Electronic GmbH, Germany.

Meanwhile, a host of buyers were pleased with the range of sourcing options on their doorstep, relishing the opportunity to connect with exhibitors from Southeast Asia, China, Europe, and beyond.

Buyers’ experiences

“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 the future. I believe that in the next two – three years the market will become more positive,” said Ms Sara Pelizzoli, Marketing Manager, Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing, Vietnam.

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