NEPCON Vietnam 2019 links supporting enterprises with the world

NEPCON Vietnam 2019 was organised to bring supporting enterprises closer to the global supply chain

The first day of NEPCON Vietnam has successfully introduced new technologies and solutions for Vietnamese professionals in electronics and provided updated tools for technical engineers.

On the second day, Reed Tradex, in collaboration with the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA) and the Industrial Development Center under the Vietnam Industry Agency, organised a forum to introduce the linkage programme for supporting enterprises to join the global supply chain. The session offered exclusive opportunities and support for Vietnamese business to join the global supply chain.

The session was organised as in 2019 a wave of electronic component manufacturers are relocating facilities to Vietnam, effecting a breakthrough in the development of the sector . Besides, the country's new free trade agreements, including the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), open up opportunities for supporting enterprises, especially SMEs, to join the global supplying chain.

Vu Trong Tai, general director of Reed Tradex Vietnam, said, “Joining in the exhibition and the forum will create an occasion for enterprises to meet and study co-operation opportunities.”

According to Do Thi Thuy Huong, a representative of VEIA, globalisation created fierce competition in the local supporting and electronics industries. Thus, enterprises need to create a network with each other and between with foreign partners.”

Most electronic companies in Vietnam are SMEs, which make up a major pillar of Southeast Asia's developing economies. In order to support them, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is deploying the LinkSME project during 2018-2023 with the total budget of $22.1 million, which strengthens relations between suppliers and buyers, as well as boosts the participation of SMEs in global value chains.

LinkSME was also an active participant of NEPCON Vietnam 2019, the only exhibition for SMEs and testing technology, equipment, and supporting industry for electronics with the participation of more than 200 leading brands from 20 countries and territories, including the US, Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy, deputy director of the Industrial Development Centre, said: "If the Vietnamese electronics and supporting industries could develop a supply network and provide products matching international standards, the competitiveness and ability to join global supply chains would improve rapidly. Additionally, updating information and approaching support from trade and investment promotion initiatives would also contribute to making breakthroughs for businesses."

Reed Tradex is the ASEAN's leading exhibition organiser, a member of Reed Exhibitions, the world's leading events organiser who creates high-profile, targeted industry events where buyers and suppliers come together to do business.

The company's global portfolio includes over 500 events serving 43 industries in 30 countries. Particularly in Vietnam and Thailand, Reed Tradex organises 20 strong brands of international exhibitions and conferences.

For 34 years, Reed Tradex has been forming circles of business contacts for many industries using unique skills in event strategy, financial control, operations excellence, and integrated marketing communications, that can only be excelled through experiences and connections.

Crystalle Tan Meisi, regional marketing executive, P&E Innovation Pte., Ltd. P&E Innovation Pte., Ltd. joined massive international exhibitions in Thailand, Taiwan, and Malaysia, but this is the first time that the company arrived to Vietnam to participate in the exhibition organised by Reed Tradex and we are very surprised at the scale of it. There are more companies and businesses participating in the exhibition than we thought. The organiser is very thoughtful and professional, and we have not run into any problems, despite being a foreign enterprise. After two days, we discussed and collected a lot of information about local suppliers as well as large-scale enterprises like Honda, WIT, and Panasonic. We will contact each other after the exhibition to explore co-operation opportunities. This useful exhibition will be the bridge for electronics suppliers like P&E Innovation.