As the inaugural Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) drew curtains on March 1, 2024, Messe Frankfurt’s 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 caliber 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 organized by Messe Frankfurt and VIETRADE. The fair’s opening ceremony was officiated by Phan Thi Thang, deputy minister of Industry and Trade, and Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board, Messe Frankfurt GmbH. Addressing the fair’s positioning, Phan said: “The Ministry of Industry and Trade coordinated with Messe Frankfurt to organize VIATT 2024. Held for the first time in Vietnam, the fair is dedicated to creating favorable 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 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 sqm of exhibition space in two halls, the fair reflected the latest trends and innovations in the product sectors of apparel fabrics, yarns and fibers, 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,” says 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.”