Metalex Vietnam 2018 dashes towards Industry 4.0

Representatives at the opening ceremony of Metalex Vietnam 2018

The exhibition, organised every year by Reed Tradex, opened its 2018 edition at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre this morning. The event includes two other exhibitions named Nepcon Vietnam and The Supporting Industry Show, with support from the Japan External Trade Organisation in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City Centre of Supporting Industry Development and the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Trade Promotion and Investment.

This year, Metalex Vietnam expects to draw in 10,000 buyers and 500 leading machinery brands from around the world, including Hoffman, Hexagon, Takamaz, Weldcom, Showa Denki, and Seilo. There are also five international booths representing Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, and Taiwan.

To keep up with the fast-changing world of digital technology, the focus of Metalex Vietnam 2018 is Industry 4.0 and how Vietnam can apply these innovations into its industrial manufacturing and supporting industries.

The organisers also hope to attract 200 manufacturers and contractors from 20 countries to Nepcon Vietnam, the only exhibition in the country with an emphasis on surface-mount technology and electronic equipment. The Supporting Industry Show, meanwhile, aims to foster ties between Vietnam and Japan in supporting industries, boosting the production of cars and digital facilities in Vietnam.

Exhibitors at Metalex Vietnam 2018 come from 500 leading international brands

At the opening ceremony, Reed Tradex managing director Isara Burintraart noted that global businesses are turning to the Vietnamese machinery industry, buoyed by the booming consumption market and various free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed with major economies.

Takimoto Koji, head representative of JETRO Ho Chi Minh City, said that Japanese companies face significant challenges when finding suitable suppliers in Vietnam. The local buying rates are low and Japanese manufacturers usually have to import materials or equipment from overseas. With this in mind, JETRO always creates opportunities to connect Japanese and Vietnamese firms in supporting industries.

“More than 70 per cent of Japanese manufacturers want to expand their business in Vietnam, so I hope that businesses from both countries will seize opportunities through major exhibitions like Metalex,” said Takimoto.

Networking sessions will be conducted throughout the exhibition.

Also part of Metalex Vietnam 2018 are various activities for young Vietnamese engineers and mechanics. A masterclass on Internet of Things and smart technologies will be available, together with a competition for electronic engineers.

The exhibition will run until October 13, 2018.

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