More than 500 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions will participate in the 17th edition of international precision engineering, machine tools and metalworking exhibition (MTA Vietnam 2019) in HCM City from July 2 to 5.

Covering an area of 13,900sq.m, MTA Vietnam 2019 will have 14 international group pavilions from the UK, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Speaking at the press meeting held in HCM City on June 18, BT Tee, general manager of Informa Markets Vietnam, the event organiser, said as many as 80 per cent of exhibitors are foreign companies, including Amada, Sodick, Mazak, Van Su Loi, and CyberTech.

The exhibition will showcase a strong lineup of Industry 4.0 products, technologies and innovative solutions used in the engineering and metalworking industry.

Tokahito Otsu, general director of YAMAZAKI MAZAK Vietnam Co., Ltd, said in addition to introducing advanced machineries, the company will also showcase Industry 4.0 services solutions for customers, including automation solutions that help customers reduce labour costs and improve business efficiency.

Pham Xuan Da, head of the Ministry of Science and Technology's ational office in the southern region, said the mechanical engineering industry plays an important role in the manufacturing and processing industry, which is considered the backbone of the economy as it improves product competitiveness and economic sustainability.

The Government in the past years has issued policies to boost the development of the industry.

In the past few years, the number of mechanical enterprises in Viett Nam increased rapidly, from about 10,000 enterprises in 2010 to more than 21,000 enterprises in 2016, accounting for 28 per cent of total processing enterprises.

In recent years, export turnover of mechanical products has also increased, he said. “Some products that previously we had to import, now local enterprises can produce them.”

Although the industry has achieved certain results, it still has many limitations and weaknesses, including market access, level of science and technology, materials, and human resources.

“Amid the 4.0 revolution and global integration, I have suggested to State agencies and enterprises that they should capitalise on opportunities to boost the development of the mechanical engineering industry,” he said.

The exhibition will be an opportunity for domestic businesses to update new technologies and meet foreign partners, he said.

Held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, the exhibition will also include seminars and conferences. — VNS