The Spring Fair 2026, featuring large-scale participation from footwear and garment enterprises, has proven its pivotal role as an effective "launchpad" for promotion, networking, and international market expansion.
The Spring Fair 2026, featuring large-scale participation from footwear and garment enterprises, has proven its pivotal role as an effective "launchpad" for promotion, networking, and international market expansion. This event serves not only as a product showcase but also as a strategic forum where Vietnamese businesses can connect directly with potential partners, asserting their production capacity and product quality on the world stage.
The footwear and garment industries have long been vital pillars of Vietnam’s export turnover. At the Spring Fair 2026, the presence of these sectors was highlighted by impressive booth scales, modern designs, and professional layouts. From major established brands to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking new opportunities, all participants presented high-quality products that demonstrated significant investment in design, technology, and manufacturing standards.
Exhibitors showcased a wide range of apparel - from office wear and street fashion to sportswear - alongside footwear collections featuring diverse designs, durable materials, and superior functionality. Notably, many businesses emphasized eco-friendly products using natural fibers such as bamboo and banana leaf, or production processes that meet global sustainability standards. These factors are increasingly prioritized in demanding markets like Europe and North America.
The key to the fair’s success in international market promotion lies in its business matching activities. Spring Fair 2026 hosted numerous B2B (Business-to-Business) sessions involving hundreds of buyers, distributors, and retailers from various countries and regions. Facilitated by trade promotion agencies and Vietnamese Trade Offices overseas, these sessions allowed Vietnamese enterprises to present their manufacturing capabilities directly, introduce new collections, and negotiate potential contracts.
International buyers provided highly positive feedback, expressing their impression of the product quality, price competitiveness, and manufacturing flexibility of Vietnamese firms. Given Vietnam’s political stability and favorable investment climate, the country continues to be viewed as an attractive destination for outsourcing and manufacturing, as well as a hub with great potential for developing original brands.
Despite these optimistic signals, the footwear and garment sectors continue to face significant hurdles in their quest for global expansion. Chief among these are increasingly stringent standards and certification requirements. Major markets, such as the EU and the US, now demand rigorous compliance regarding quality, labor safety, environmental protection, and rules of origin—most notably the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). For Vietnamese firms, meeting these mandates is not merely a bureaucratic task but one that necessitates substantial investment in management systems, high-end technology, and transparent production workflows.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the industry must also navigate a landscape of intense global competition. The international textile and footwear market remains fiercely contested; to maintain or grow their market share, Vietnamese businesses cannot afford to stand still. They must constantly sharpen their competitive edge across the board - from refining product quality and aesthetic design to optimizing production efficiency and elevating after-sales service.
Ultimately, the most profound challenge lies in the shift toward brand building. While Vietnam has long been a powerhouse in processing and assembly, many enterprises have yet to establish a powerful, independent presence on the global stage. Transitioning from the traditional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) model to the more autonomous ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) and OBM (Original Brand Manufacturing) frameworks represents a strategic leap that is as difficult as it is necessary for long-term survival.
In the face of these hurdles, Spring Fair 2026 has helped chart a course for the industry. Support from trade promotion agencies in providing market intelligence, import regulations, and policy advocacy remains crucial. Simultaneously, industry associations must proactively coordinate with international partners to stay ahead of market trends.
The Spring Fair 2026 has reaffirmed its irreplaceable role in promoting and seeking markets for Vietnam's footwear and garment industries. It serves as a vital stepping stone for businesses to conquer discerning markets, solidify their position on the global production and export map, and work toward the goal of making "Made in Vietnam" products a ubiquitous presence worldwide./.
Story: Thong Thien/VNP
Photos: Viet Cuong, Cong Dat/VNP
Translated by Hong Hanh