After navigating the economic hurdles of 2023, Vietnam's textile and garment exports are showing signs of recovery. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam reached US $11 billion in the first five months of this year, marking a 2 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). This uptick in FDI underscores renewed business opportunities within the country.
VIATT 2025: A platform for growth
To capitalize on these opportunities, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return from February 26-28, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., the event organizer, promises an enhanced experience based on feedback from the inaugural edition.
Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., highlighted that feedback from the first edition of VIATT has motivated the organizers to enhance next year’s fair. Shea emphasized the optimism surrounding Vietnam's improving business environment and expressed confidence in VIATT 2025's potential to effectively support and amplify the renewed growth of the country's textile industry.
Sustainability and innovation at the forefront
VIATT 2025 aims to highlight sustainability and technological advancements within the textile industry. The fair will feature an Econogy Hub, dedicated to sustainability in textiles, and an Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone, showcasing AI design, digital manufacturing, and big data analytics.
The inaugural edition of VIATT attracted 409 exhibitors and 17,262 visitors from 55 countries and regions. The 2025 edition will continue to feature a diverse range of exhibitors across apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles sectors.
Apparel fabrics & fashion
Vietnam's textile and garment exports grew by 6.3 per cent year-on-year to over US $10 billion in the first four months of 2024, with the US, EU, South Korea, China, and Japan being the top markets. To meet this demand, Vietnam's textile industry imports significant raw materials. At VIATT 2024, yarns, fibers, fabrics for casual wear, sportswear, uniforms, and garment accessories were in high demand.
Vietnam's home textile market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4 per cent from 2024 to 2032, driven by increasing demand for modern home textiles, e-commerce expansion, and favorable government initiatives. VIATT 2025 will feature products like bedding, loungewear, bathroom textiles, curtains, upholstery, and home textile accessories.
Technical textiles & technologies
Investors in the textile industry are focusing on optimizing production capacity, streamlining supply chains, and enhancing product quality to stay competitive. The Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone at VIATT 2025 will showcase textile and nonwoven machinery, CAD/CAM, CMT, and technology for embroidery, knitting, sewing, and printing.
Global connections and trade
VIATT 2025 aims to leverage the participation of over 50 textile fairs organized by Messe Frankfurt in 13 countries. This network will enable the fair to serve as a platform for connecting Vietnamese businesses with international players, facilitating cross-border trade, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), covering the entire textile industry value chain. The event is expected to further bolster Vietnam's position in the global textile market, aligning with the country's economic and environmental goals.
