Into its eighth edition, the three-day event attracted 470 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions, 77 per cent of which were international enterprises. — Photo baotainguyenmoitruong

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Food&HotelViet Nam 2015 opened yesterday as the sourcing and networking platform for the food and hospitality industry in Viet Nam and the surrounding Indochina regions.

Into its eighth edition, the three-day event attracted 470 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions, 77 per cent of which were international enterprises.

There are 14 international group pavilions from Australia, Germany, Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and the US.

At least 55 per cent of displayed products include food and drinks, and 39 per cent are hospitality goods and supplies.

Lindy Wee, chief executive of Singapore Exhibition Services, the organiser of Food&Hotel Viet Nam 2015, said market players, both large and small companies, were striving toward providing innovation in service and product offerings in a fast-growing environment.

As Viet Nam continues to represent an attractive region for business and investment to foreigners, it is important for local companies to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and issues affecting the industry.

"The exhibition is a melting pot of front-end to back-end food and hospitality products from all over the world," she said.

For the first time, the Viet Nam Hotel Association held its Annual General Meeting titled Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Tourist Accommodation Establishment System at the exhibition.

More than 200 delegates from major hotels from provinces all over Viet Nam attended to discuss opportunities and challenges, and formulate plans to develop and strengthen the competitiveness of the country's hotel sector.

The Food&Hotel Viet Nam is also hosting the Viet Nam Culinary Challenge, Viet Nam Barista Competition and Viet Nam Latte Art Competition.

The exhibition is expected to attract 10,000 visitors.

The exhibition was organised by the Singapore Exhibition Services and local organiser VCCI Exhibition Service Co. Ltd. It will end on Thursday at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre. — VNS