VIATT 2026 Strengthens ASEAN Textile Sourcing Hub

The third edition of the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) concluded in Ho Chi Minh City on March 12, 2026. The three-day exhibition recorded more than 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions and hosted over 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 sqm. New international pavilions, themed zones, and an expanded fringe programme were introduced during the 2026 edition.

New international pavilions and themed zones were introduced during the event, expanding sourcing opportunities across additional geographies and product segments. The programme surrounding the exhibition included the debut of the Trend Forum and other knowledge-sharing sessions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), stated:
“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. VIATT 2026 encourages leading global brands to transfer technology, share management expertise, and engage in the development of domestic raw material supply chains.”

Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented on the fair’s development:
“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. The response from exhibitors and visitors alike reflects a growing recognition of what this fair uniquely offers: a holistic view of the entire value chain in three textile sectors, underpinned by a shared commitment to design, sustainability, and international collaboration.”

The European Zone returned to the event, featuring exhibitors from Italy, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the UK. Within this section, the German Pavilion presented a range of textile products and technologies. The fair also introduced the Türkiye Zone for the first time.

Ms Chixian Zhao, Deputy General Manager of Ibena Shanghai Technical Textiles, said:
“We focus on technical textiles, especially flame-retardant fabrics for firefighters and emergency response, but also chemical protection workwear and EV fire protection. 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. We have connected with some Vietnamese firefighter agencies, while I’m very pleasantly surprised to find many overseas buyers who have factories or supply chain segments in Vietnam.”

Exhibitors from different segments reported interactions with buyers from various regions. Ms Kiki Chen, Global Marketing Communications Manager at Covation Biomaterials LLC, stated:
“The Southeast Asian and Vietnamese markets are gaining traction, and VIATT has helped us connect with several international brands, including Inditex, PVH, and Sneakers Group, as well as some fabric and garment manufacturers and traders. 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.”

Mr Xavier Leite, President of Home from Portugal, said:
“As an association promoting Portuguese textiles for home and contracting, we aim to reach new markets and buyers who appreciate medium-high to high-end products. VIATT offers us a chance to display our products alongside competitors from various countries, many of whom already buy from Portugal. We’ve made valuable contacts at this year’s show – visitors appreciate the uniqueness of our high-quality, niche market products.”

Mr Ezra Clarence, Marketing Manager at PT Kary Indomas Elok, stated:
“We are showcasing products mainly for clothes, stuffed toys, and home furniture. VIATT combines three sectors together which is a perfect match for us and helps us reach new potential customers. We want to export to the US and Europe as well and we met such targeted customers here. Our A/W collections got attention from big clients such as GAP and Carter’s.”

Mr James Jing of Vietbac Textile Printing and Dyeing Co Ltd commented:
“This is our second time at VIATT, and during this edition we’ve met new quality international clients with offices in Vietnam. The Southeast Asian market is gaining traction, and recent tax reductions in Vietnam encourage European customers to order from here. We value the fair’s international and professional atmosphere and are pleased with the buyer quality and footfall. We plan to return in 2027.”

The event also featured a newly introduced Textile Chemicals & Dyes Zone. Mr David YT Kweon, General Manager of Korea / Vietnam Market at Colourtex Industries, said:
“In the textile industry, not just fabrics and filaments but chemical factors – especially dyes and chemical additives – are very important, as all fibres need to be dyed. When companies from multiple sectors are concentrated in one place, there are more opportunities to exchange and share ideas, which positively affects our business activities.”

Mr Nattapong Tummachudpong, Chief Executive Officer of Double Star Industry, commented:
“We are a fully vertical integrated company starting from spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing. The ASEAN market has been growing rapidly, and we think that we have a lot of things to offer to the global market. It's our first time joining this fair and I think we get to explore a lot of opportunities, to see new faces in the market, and to talk to some of the potential customers. I think that's the start of a great business to come.”

The exhibition hosted 10 buyer delegations from eight countries and regions. Buyers from companies including Adidas, Gap Inc., H&M, Lululemon, Muji, Nitori, Osprey, and Perry Ellis met exhibitors during the event.

The exhibition programme also included the inaugural Trend Forum, the Vietnam Textile & Garment Industry Development Strategy Summit (VTGIS), the Textile Industry Exchange, and several seminars, panel discussions, workshops, and fashion shows.

Mr Kai Chow, Lead Curator of the VIATT Trend Forum and Creative Director of MUSEATIVE, stated:
“Southeast Asia is no longer just a manufacturing alternative – it is becoming a strategic innovation hub. By integrating fashion, home textiles, and technology into one conversation, the fringe programme reflects how the industry operates today, as innovation increasingly happens between categories. Through talks, forums, and curated spaces, the Trend Forum allows trend content to go beyond visual inspiration, helping exhibitors and visitors move from trend-following to trend understanding.”

Mr Hervé Coulombel, President and CEO of Royal Mer, said:
“The fashion show helps us a great deal because we are not yet known in this country, and what we are looking for is a distributor or licensee who would be interested in distributing our brand here. We see Vietnam as a market with huge potential, and it is obviously the best place to be. Having started our distribution in Korea last year, Vietnam would be our second country in Asia, and the development of our brand throughout the region is exactly what we are working towards.”

Ms Kathy Pham, Associate, Business Development at CLO Vietnam, said:
“Digital transformation is no longer optional. Especially for 3D design, AI-assisted development and virtual collaboration are now becoming a standard tool to reduce waste, shorten lead time, and improve global communication. We encourage companies to adopt those these workflows early, so they will get a competitive advantage in cost, speed, and sustainability, and we wanted to give our audience a clearer picture of how AI can integrate into their production. They were really interested as it can help them reduce costs and build up the necessary strategic tools for sustainable growth.”

The exhibition was organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE).

The next edition, VIATT 2027, is scheduled to take place from 24 – 26 February 2027.