HCM CITY (VNS) — The latest automated equipment as well as fabrics incorporating state-of-the-art technology are on view at the SaigonTex exhibition that opened yesterday in HCM City.

Andrew Kay, managing director of CP Exhibition Hong Kong, one of the organisers, said the expo offered local companies an opportunity to learn about and source foreign Free-On-Board products and materials.

The Viet Nam Sai Gon Textile and Garment Industry and Fabric & Garment Accessories Expo is the only textile trade show in the country that has received a certificate of quality from the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

As many as 357 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions are displaying products this year, an increase of 18 per cent in registered companies over last year.

Illustrtive image.—VNA/VNS Photo

 More than 60 Vietnamese exhibitors, a rise of 20 per cent compared to last year, are taking part this year.

Participating companies are from Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India and Italy, as well as Japan, South Korea, Macau, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, the US, the UK and Switzerland.

Hoang Ve Dung, deputy general director of the Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex), said the expo this year had more high-tech products, including automated machinery and fabrics with nano-technology and advanced bacterial protection.

During the expo, two seminars will be held. Today, one seminar will discuss how to maximise benefits through Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreements, and the other seminar will focus on sourcing.

The event is expected welcome 8,000 trade visitors this year.

The exhibition was organised by the Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group in collaboration with the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Exhibition Services Co Ltd and CP Exhibitions Hong Kong.

It will close on Sunday at the Tan Binh Convention and Exhibition Centre. —VNS