JETRO steps in to lift supporting sector

This show is coordinated with Metalex Vietnam and Nepcon Vietnam, with the former being a machine tools and metalworking technology trade exhibition, and the latter focusing on assembly, measurement and testing technologies for electronics manufacturing. The exhibition was a chance for Japanese parts buyers and Vietnamese parts-makers to meet and conduct business, said Yasuzumi Hirotaka, managing director of Japan External Trade Organization’s (JETRO) Ho Chi Minh City Office.

Together, 700 technology and machinery brands from 25 countries and territories, as well as 53 Japanese buyers and 50 Vietnamese parts and accessories makers will exhibit their products at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in District 7.

Thai company Reed Tradex and its Vietnamese partner Eifec Company will organize Metalex and Nepcon, while the city’s Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) is collaborating with JETRO in organizing the other show.

"The supporting industries in Vietnam, which is indispensable for industrial growth, still have not grown enough compared with other countries in Asia, while, the economic unification of ASEAN is very close to them,” Hirotaka said.

"The local procurement by Japanese enterprises for materials and parts for supporting industries in Vietnam was only 28.7 per cent. Our priority is encouraging and raising local procurement by Japanese enterprises here in Vietnam. Vietnam is now one of the most outstanding countries as destinations of Japanese foreign investment and we expect Japanese companies will expand investment in Vietnam the next few years,” he said.

ITPC director Pho Nam Phuong said: "With the three international shows, I’m sure industrialists will find many benefits in ways beyond their expectations.”

Reed Tradex deputy director Duangdej Yuaikwamdee said the three shows would see 263 exhibitors, more than 150 per cent higher than last year.