Hoa Sen Group booth at the exhibition. VNS Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Eight-hundred companies and business groups from 18 countries and territories are taking part in VietBuild 2013 exhibition, which opened on Thursday (June 13) in the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The five-day event, the country's largest exhibition for the construction industry, includes 2,200 booths displaying products, internal and external decorations, construction materials and information about real estate projects.

"The exhibition is a good opportunity to promote trade, increase investment, and further the development of construction companies. It will also help stimulate demand and trade in the property sector," said Nguyen Tran Nam, deputy minister of Construction, in his speech at the opening ceremony on Thursday.

Many exho participants said the fair came at a propitious time as the economy remains sluggish.

"This is a really big opportunity for the construction sector," said Le Phung Hao, a member of Hoa Sen Group's board of directors.

Hao told Viet Nam News that "many construction companies have been affected by the recession. VietBuild gives them a chance to show their strengths and their solutions to help rescue the frozen real estate market."

Hao said that the exho contained many new high-quality products on display. "This is a good sign. There are still niche markets for investors even during recession," he added.

Apart from traditional products, many companies, such as Son Ha BK JointStock Company and Ha Thanh Binh Investment and Development Company, are showing new and environmentally friendly products, including hi-tech gadgets that serve modern life.

Dang Tran Hieu, marketing director of Son Ha Joint Stock Co., said the company's new product, the Son Ha BK water tank, was made especially for the exho.

The tank uses fiberglass-reinforced polyester, a first in Viet Nam. The material, which is widely used around the world, replaces conventional materials such as concrete, plastic and steel.

Hieu said this material allows for flexible installation, easy application and convenience. It can be easily moved above ground, as well as inside, or on the roof of high-rises.

In the opening ceremony yesterday, 56 companies, including Viglacera, Dong Tam Group and Hoa Sen Group, were awarded golden cups and golden medals called Vtop Build 2013 for their high quality products and services.

Along with the exhibition, four conferences are also being held that will discuss the development of construction-material production in Viet Nam.

The Ministry of Construction and local people's committees organised the VietBuild 2013 exho in Ha Noi and Da Nang. After it finishes in HCM City, it will open in Can Tho. — VNS