A wide range of machine tools, advanced metalworking solutions, high-quality industrial grade parts, welding and cutting materials, equipment and technologies, and advanced industrial robots are on display at three exhibitions that opened in HCM City on October 10.

METALEX Vietnam 2019, Welding Vietnam 2019 and ROBOT X HCMC have attracted over 500 exhibitors from 25 countries and territories, a 30 per cent increase from last year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vu Trong Tai, general manager of Reed Tradex Vietnam, the events’ organiser, said the demand for automotive machinery is evolving and production standards are getting higher.

This is a challenge for local manufacturers, requiring them to keep up to date with the latest technologies and solutions so that they do not miss the business opportunity.

“Over the past decades, METALEX Vietnam has been a steadfast ally in Vietnamese manufacturers’ efforts to catch up with the ever-evolving innovation and knowledge in the field of metalworking.

“Additionally, it is an ideal platform for technology providers from various countries to showcase their advanced machinery and share their pragmatic solutions to leading industrialists.”

Dr K. Srikar Reddy, the Indian consul general in HCM City, said: “METALEX Vietnam is certainly one of the most renowned trade exhibitions in Southeast Asia focusing on engineering, and India is proud of being awarded the status of Partner Country in such an established trade show.

“Over 19,000 industrialists from across the world will join this show to find their sellers from over 500 exhibitors across 25 nations. This is undoubtedly one of the most prominent platforms for Indian engineering exporters and manufacturers to display their engineering brilliance before leading global purchasers.”

Pham Thiet Hoa, chairman of the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City (ITPC), said HCM City would continue to focus on developing supporting industries and seek to raise the proportion of locally made parts used in its four key industrial sectors and two traditional sectors to 66 per cent by 2020.

The key sectors are mechanical engineering, electronics and IT, rubber and plastics, and food and foodstuff processing, and the traditional sectors are garment and textile and footwear.

“Viet Nam‘s supporting industries, especially HCM City’s have limitations. The competitive capacity of enterprises in the sector remains weak and there is a lack of linkages within the production chain.”

The Fourth Industrial Revolution offers enterprises a development opportunity but also a challenge if they don’t make appropriate changes, Hoa said.

The exhibitions would provide the city’s supporting industry firms a chance to exchange information with local and foreign partners to explore business opportunities and expand their markets and transfer advanced technologies, he said.

Besides showcasing advanced technologies and equipment, METALEX Vietnam will also feature activities such as an Engineer Master Class, Industry 4.0, on-site virtual welding training, seminars, and Koma Taisen competition.

The exhibitions, on at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, will run until October 12. — VNS