The Autumn Fair 2025 at the Vietnam Exhibition Center attracted a lot of booths and visitors. — Photo chinhphu.vn

HÀ NỘI — Stepping into the Autumn Fair 2025 at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC), visitors are greeted by the feeling of entering a “miniature Việt Nam” amidst Hà Nội’s gentle autumn – a space filled with thousands of specialties from localities across the country.

At the heart of the fair is the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, home to nearly 3,000 booths arranged into five themed zones.

The 'Prosperous Autumn' zone (Halls 1-2) brings together major enterprises such as Viettel, Vinamilk and EVN, showcasing advanced technology, industrial innovations and modern energy solutions.

Halls 3-5 make up 'Family Autumn' zone, a shopping paradise featuring thousands of products – from fashion, cosmetics and home décor to consumer goods – accompanied by promotions worth up to 100 per cent.

The 'Essence of Hanoi Autumn' and 'Vietnamese Autumn' zones form the cultural core of the fair. Under the Kim Quy dome, a miniature version of Hanoi’s Old Quarter comes to life. Along a 'golden autumn walkway', visitors encounter artisans demonstrating traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, carving and jewelry making.

In the 'Vietnamese Autumn' zone, 34 localities introduce their regional specialties, such as multicolored vegetable noodles from Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn persimmons, Điện Biên smoked buffalo meat, as well as finished gasoline and sulfur from Dung Quất - symbols of Vietnam’s industrial progress.

The 'Vietnamese Cultural Heritage' pavilion highlights international trade connections. Amazon’s booth draws significant attention from domestic businesses seeking to bring their products to global markets under the spirit of 'Go Digital – Go Global'.

Especially, in 'Vietnamese Autumn' (Halls 6-7), each locality presents its iconic specialties – turning every booth into a cultural story where products reflect integrity, creativity, heritage, and industrial potential.

At the Bắc Ninh booth, the aroma of freshly cooked rice rises from Vietmush Cooperative’s tasting counter. Their ivory-white rice noodles, naturally colored and free of bleaching agents, draw visitors in with their purity and distinct taste.

Next door, Cao Bằng captivates the crowd with its intricately crafted five-color vegetable noodles, shaped into delicate flowers – both culinary items and artistic pieces.

Moving southward, the Central Region broadens the narrative with products that embody both cultural depth and industrial ambition.

Nghệ An displays OCOP products such as jiaogulan and polygonum multiflorum – traditional remedies derived from hardy plants growing on its rocky highlands.

Quảng Ngãi surprises visitors not with its typical sweets or Trà Bồng cinnamon, but with refined gasoline and sulfur granules – testaments to its pride in the petrochemical industry.

In the South, Cà Mau welcomes guests with the iconic Cà Mau crab prominently displayed at its entrance. The province also introduces nipa palm fruit clusters and wax coconuts – agricultural products already popular in major export markets such as Japan, China, and South Korea.

OCOP products

Further inside the Vietnamese Autumn zone, visitors can truly sense the aspirations of local OCOP products to reach the global stage.

Tuyên Quang showcases Shan Tuyết tea (5-star OCOP product) and Hàm Yên oranges (a protected geographical indication).

Meanwhile, Đắk Lắk brings its Kiên Cường civet coffee and MISS EDE chocolate – both OCOP 5-star products representing the province’s commitment to quality and market presence.

The success of products under the One Commune One Product  (OCOP) programme comes from the continuous efforts of localities and enterprises. 

Yet, to grow and elevate their brands, businesses need a world-class platform for exhibition and connection – precisely what the Autumn Fair 2025 offers.

From the opening day, the Vietnamese Autumn zone bustled with activity. Among crowds sampling regional goods were B2B partners and business representatives seeking collaboration opportunities.

Thanh Hóa stands out as a prime example. With three separate display areas – OCOP products, tourism promotion, and Thanh cuisine – the province embraces a comprehensive approach, leveraging the scale and environment of VEC to promote its identity and specialties.

Representatives from Lam Sơn Sugar Joint Stock Corporation and Phong Cách Mới – producer of 4-star OCOP tea, said that their participation aims to meet partners and secure reputable importers.

According to Lê Tiến Dũng, deputy director of Thanh Hóa Department of Industry and Trade, this event serves as a major trade promotion opportunity – connecting supply and demand, expanding cooperation, and boosting export potential.

Beyond cultivating business networks, the Autumn Fair strengthens public confidence in Vietnamese-made products.

Veteran Nguyễn Xuân Dũng remarked: “I care about Vietnamese brands that meet OCOP standards. This year’s products are diverse and professionally made.”

A Vietnamese record

At the 'Autumn Gastronomy Festival – Cheer Fest', held at 6pm on October 31, organisers unveiled a Vietnamese record. The largest model of the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) crafted from gấc, sticky rice and bean-based floral decorations, certified by the Vietnam Records Organisation and Vietnam Records Institute.

The piece was created by the culinary team of Lạc Hồng Palace (Hải Phòng), with guidance from Folk Cake Artisan Trần Thị Hiền Minh and the Saigon Professional Chefs Association, showcasing both craftsmanship and the desire to leave a memorable mark on the inaugural Autumn Fair.

With its rich experiences, high-quality products, and deep cultural identity, the first Autumn Fair at VEC has established itself as a destination that celebrates and elevates traditional Vietnamese culture. — VNS