The third edition of the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies 2026 (VIATT) reinforced its position as a key sourcing and networking platform for the ASEAN textile industry, bringing together global suppliers, brands, and buyers across the entire textile value chain.
Held in Ho Chi Minh City, the three-day event recorded over 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions and featured more than 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 square metres of exhibition space. The 2026 edition also introduced new international pavilions and specialised zones, expanding sourcing opportunities across different geographies and product segments.
The exhibition took place during a period of transformation for Vietnam’s textile and garment industry. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), highlighted the industry’s transition towards higher value manufacturing.
“This exhibition takes place at a time when Vietnam’s textile and garment industry is entering a new phase of development – shifting from extensive to intensive growth, from contractual manufacturing to higher value-added production, and from traditional production models to green and smart manufacturing,” he said.
He added that the fair encourages global brands to transfer technology, share management expertise, and support the development of Vietnam’s domestic raw material supply chains.
Growing international participation
According to Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the exhibition continues to expand both in scale and industry relevance.
“With each edition, VIATT has grown in both depth and breadth – not just as a sourcing platform, but as a space where the industry comes together to shape the future of the textile industry across the ASEAN region,” she said.
A highlight of the event was the European Zone, featuring companies from Italy, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Within the zone, the German Pavilion attracted buyers seeking engineered textile products and solutions known for quality and compliance standards.
The fair also introduced the Türkiye Zone for the first time, further strengthening the European sourcing presence and expanding VIATT’s international offering.
Exhibitors highlight business opportunities
Participants from across the textile value chain reported strong business engagement during the show.
Chixian Zhao, Deputy General Manager at Ibena Shanghai Technical Textiles, said the company showcased flame-retardant fabrics for firefighting, emergency response and protective applications.
“The German Pavilion’s design is simple and beautiful, while the concept is valuable and well-arranged, including matching us with VIP buyers, and introducing our company onstage – which drew additional visitors to our booth.”
She added that the company connected with Vietnamese firefighting agencies and international buyers with supply chains based in Vietnam.
From the biomaterials sector, Kiki Chen of Covation Biomaterials LLC noted that the exhibition helped the company engage with major global brands including Inditex, PVH Corp. and Sneakers Group.
“It is the most international fair I’ve exhibited at for two years, and we met high-quality buyers and contacts from the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, China and more.”
From the home textiles segment, Xavier Leite, President of Home from Portugal, said the fair helped the association reach new buyers interested in medium-high to high-end home textile products.
Demand for diverse textile applications
Other exhibitors highlighted the benefits of VIATT’s multi-sector format.
Ezra Clarence, Marketing Manager at PT Kary Indomas Elok, noted that the event allowed the company to showcase fabrics for clothing, stuffed toys and furniture applications while engaging buyers from the US and Europe.
Similarly, James Jing from Vietbac Textile Printing and Dyeing Co Ltd said the company connected with international clients operating in Vietnam and plans to return for the next edition.
The newly launched Textile Chemicals & Dyes Zone also drew attention. David YT Kweon, General Manager for the Korea and Vietnam markets at Colourtex Industries, highlighted the importance of dyes and chemical additives in textile processing.
Strong buyer participation
The exhibition hosted 10 international buyer delegations from eight countries and regions, alongside VIP buyers representing global brands including Adidas, Gap Inc., H&M, Lululemon, Muji, Nitori and Perry Ellis.
Visitors highlighted the value of the event’s comprehensive industry representation. William Yip, Raw Materials Lead at Mountain Equipment Company, emphasised the importance of traceability across the textile supply chain.
Knowledge exchange and industry insights
Beyond the exhibition floor, VIATT 2026 featured an expanded fringe programme that included seminars, panel discussions, workshops and fashion shows. Key highlights included the VIATT Trend Forum, the Vietnam Textile & Garment Industry Development Strategy Summit, and the Textile Industry Exchange.
Kai Chow, Creative Director of MUSEATIVE and Lead Curator of the Trend Forum, noted that Southeast Asia is increasingly emerging as an innovation hub for textiles and fashion.
Meanwhile, Kathy Pham from CLO highlighted the growing importance of digital tools such as AI-assisted design, 3D development and virtual collaboration to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Next edition
The exhibition is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency.
The next edition of the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies 2027 (VIATT 2027) will take place from 24 – 26 February 2027.
