People visit booths at the Vietnam Expo 2026 on the morning of April 8. — VNS Photos Ly Ly Cao

HÀ NỘI — The 35th Vietnam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo 2026) officially opened on April 8 at the Vietnam Exhibition Centre (VEC) in Đông Anh Commune, Hà Nội, bringing together hundreds of domestic and international enterprises in a large-scale platform for trade promotion and business connectivity.

Organised under the direction of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the annual event has been held since 1991 and continues to serve as a key channel for enterprises to showcase their products, expand export markets and strengthen international economic integration.

This year's edition features more than 500 booths with the participation of over 420 companies, half of which are foreign exhibitors from 20 countries and territories, reflecting growing international interest in Việt Nam's market.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lê Hoàng Tài, deputy director general of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade), highlighted the broader global context shaping trade activities. 

He said that amid geopolitical tensions, rising trade protectionism and shifting global supply chains, countries and businesses are increasingly required to adapt while promoting trade activities to expand markets and foster cooperation.

Despite these challenges, Việt Nam's economy maintained positive momentum in 2025, with GDP reaching approximately US$514 billion and total import-export turnover exceeding $930 billion, alongside a trade surplus of around $20 billion. 

According to Tài, these outcomes have been supported by industrial production, manufacturing and a growing emphasis on digital transformation and green development, which continue to enhance national competitiveness.

Visitors are at the booth of a Polish exhibitor. — VNS Photos Ly Ly Cao

The event also takes place alongside specialised exhibitions, including the Vietnam Elevator Expo and Vietnam Hardware & Hand Tools Expo, forming a multi-industry ecosystem that connects manufacturing, construction and supporting industries.

International participation remains a key feature of the fair. Among the country pavilions, Cuba's presence highlights efforts to promote cooperation in emerging sectors. 

Maylem Rivero Silva, Minister Counsellor and Head of the Commercial and Economic Office at the Embassy of Cuba to Việt Nam, described the event as a critical participation for her country, noting that for the first time Cuba is introducing a joint venture in biotechnology established in Việt Nam.

"For the first time we are bringing a new joint venture, which was just established last year in the pharma industry. And it is going to be in charge of producing biotechnological products here in Việt Nam for the domestic market and for export too," she told Việt Nam News, adding that the biotechnology sector is a very strong field in Cuba.

She also noted that Cuban participants are using the exhibition to promote a range of sectors, including construction services and healthcare products, while seeking new partnerships. 

"We expect to have more partners, more people coming to us to ask for our services. We are also promoting investment in Cuba as part of our economic development," she said, emphasising that Cuba remains very open to cooperation opportunities.

Running through April 11, Vietnam Expo 2026 is expected to attract thousands of visitors and facilitate direct business exchanges, as enterprises continue to explore new markets and partnerships in an evolving global trade environment. — BIZHUB/VNS