Vietnam - Japan boost cooperation in supporting industry development

Key Highlights:

• The Vietnam – Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition (SIE 2025), jointly organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), aims to increase the localization rate of Japanese FDI enterprises in Vietnam, strengthen Japan–Vietnam business connections, and enhance the supply capabilities of local manufacturers and subcontractors.
• Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME 2025) – the 17th International Exhibition on Machinery and Technology for Manufacturing and Supporting Industries in Vietnam – is hosted by RX Tradex Vietnam.
• The two exhibitions will gather over 200 exhibiting companies from more than 10 countries. SIE 2025 will feature 20 Japanese purchasing enterprises directly connecting with 20 selected Vietnamese manufacturers and subcontractors. VME 2025 is expected to attract over 160 foreign companies looking for business partners.
• Positioned as a strategic platform, the dual exhibition aims to support local businesses in accessing technology, participating in global supply chains, and leveraging digital transformation and free trade agreements (FTAs).

In Hanoi on June 3, 2025, RX Tradex Vietnam, JETRO Hanoi, and VIETRADE (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) held a press conference. It signed a cooperation agreement to organize the 17th Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME) and the 11th Vietnam–Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition (SIE) in Hanoi. The events, scheduled for August 6–8, 2025, at the I.C.E. Hanoi Exhibition Center, are expected to feature over 200 businesses from more than 10 countries and attract over 10,000 industrialists.

Amid the substantial restructuring of global supply chains, Vietnam has emerged as a strategic manufacturing hub in Asia. The Vietnamese government is promoting localization, reducing import dependence, and strengthening supporting industries through investment incentives, trade promotion, and technical training.

At the press conference, Mr. Vu Ba Phu, Director General of VIETRADE, emphasized: "By the end of 2024, Vietnam's supporting industry will include more than 6,000 companies in textiles, automotive assembly, leather and footwear, mechanical engineering, and electronics. Supporting industries have made significant contributions to the growth of Vietnam's key industries, with the trade surplus increasing from USD 2 billion in 2017 to over USD 28 billion by 2024. However, Vietnam's supporting industries still meet only about 10% of the domestic demand for components. This represents a major challenge as Vietnam imports billions of dollars of components annually."

To meet its development goals, Vietnam's supporting industries must accelerate digital transformation and adopt green manufacturing practices. The application of new technologies, automation, and process optimization is crucial for enhancing productivity and meeting the increasing international quality standards.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is implementing numerous programs to enhance production capacity, management, and digital transformation in supporting industries in collaboration with multinational corporations and major foreign direct investment enterprises in Vietnam. Every year, the Ministry approves the Supporting Industry Development Program to promote capacity building for organizations and individuals.”

In 2025, the National Trade Promotion Program comprises 118 activities that support enterprises in exploring markets, connecting with partners, leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), promoting products to foreign buyers, and securing stable raw material sources for production. These initiatives help businesses integrate into global value chains.

In addition to the exhibition, the event includes thematic seminars, business-matching activities, and capacity-building training for enterprises. Notably, the "Investment Promotion in Supporting Industries" seminar will be held on August 5, 2025, in Hanoi. Organized by VIETRADE in collaboration with the, JETRO – Hanoi Office, and other relevant units, the event aims to attract investment into Vietnam's key supporting industries, enhance cooperation, and efficiently implement investment projects between localities, industrial zones, and Vietnamese and foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises, thereby integrating into the global value chain. With an expected 150 delegates, the seminar will promote investment potential, share development orientations, and explore sustainable cooperation opportunities, Mr. Phu added.

Japan remains a leading strategic partner. Vietnam–Japan's cooperation in supporting industry development is considered exemplary. Japan is among the top investors in Vietnam, particularly in the manufacturing and high-tech sectors, with foreign direct investment (FDI) totaling USD 3.5 billion in 2024, ranking fifth overall.

Mr. Haruhiko Ozasa, Chief Representative of JETRO, Hanoi Representative Office, shared: "According to JETRO's latest 2024 survey, 56.1% of Japanese enterprises in Vietnam plan to expand investment within 1–2 years, far exceeding the ASEAN average. Moreover, 50.9% intend to increase procurement in Vietnam—the highest among ASEAN countries."

Driven by the growing demand for localized supply chains and stronger bilateral connections, JETRO Hanoi has proactively collaborated with VIETRADE and RX Tradex Vietnam to establish a robust business-matching platform. From identifying real-world needs to creating a professional networking environment, this initiative has been realized through the 11th Vietnam–Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition (SIE), co-located with the 17th Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME). This dual exhibition not only expands scale but also deepens collaboration among stakeholders.

VME–SIE 2025 plays a strategic role in realizing sustainable local supply chain development and expanding high-quality Japanese investment. With well-organized B2B sessions and close support from both countries' trade promotion agencies, the event contributes to attracting premium Japanese investment while empowering Vietnamese enterprises to enhance their production capabilities and meet the demands of globalization.

Mr. Ozasa added: "This year's SIE exhibition will feature 20 Japanese buyers seeking partners in key areas such as sheet metal processing, industrial plastics, precision CNC machining, electronic components, and other supporting products. Around 20 carefully selected Vietnamese suppliers with proven production capabilities will engage in direct business matching with Japanese counterparts.”

VME 2025 & SIE 2025 – Focus on Digital Transformation, Smart Manufacturing, and Industry 4.0

Since its debut in 2008, shortly after Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME) has grown into a key industrial promotion platform, supporting Vietnam's international integration and manufacturing modernization. For nearly two decades, VME has served not only as a showcase for advanced technologies but also as a connector between local enterprises and global partners in manufacturing and supporting industries.

As Vietnam accelerates its National Digital Transformation Program through 2025, with a vision toward 2030, the shift toward smart manufacturing, powered by AI, IoT, Big Data, and especially Cognitive Automation, is no longer optional but essential. The government aims for the digital economy to contribute at least 30% of the country's GDP by 2030, with industrial production serving as a key pillar. To survive and thrive, businesses must swiftly adopt technology, restructure operations, increase productivity, and reduce emissions, aligning with new global supply chain standards.

According to the World Bank, despite signs of a global slowdown, Vietnam is forecast to achieve GDP growth of 6.8% in 2025 and 6.5% in 2026, surpassing the 6.0% forecast for 2024.

These positive economic signals provide a strong foundation for the meaningful implementation of innovative manufacturing promotion programs. In alignment with the national digital transformation agenda, VME and SIE are not just technology showcases—they are strategic platforms driving smart manufacturing and global supply chain integration.

Ms. Dhamcharee Varaporn, Managing Director of RX Tradex Thailand & Vietnam, stated: "2025 will be a pivotal year for Vietnamese enterprises to restructure, enhance technological capabilities, and adopt sustainable development mindsets to adapt to the new global context."

This year's exhibitions will focus on key solutions, including digital transformation, flexible automation, zero-emission manufacturing, and digital supply chains, all of which are critical to the future of Vietnam's manufacturing sector. The exhibitions will feature over 200 companies from more than 10 countries, including industrial powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, China, and Vietnam.

Core solutions on display include Machinery, Automation, Fastener and Fixing, Vi-Mat, Metrology, and Mold and Die. The event is expected to attract a diverse range of professional visitors from Vietnam's key sectors, including automotive, electronics, medical devices, mechanical engineering, textiles, and high technology.

Two prominent supporting industry segments—Fastener & Fixing and ViMat (Material Processing Technology)—will continue to be featured.

In addition to the exhibition area, the event is designed as a deep business matching platform with efficient accompanying activities, including Factory Visit programs to exemplary factories, a Buyer Zone for domestic and international buyers, a series of specialized seminars on automation and innovative factory solutions; Business Matching Zone for effective enterprise connections; and an Onsite Matching System to help participants find suitable partners and products, maximizing B2B meeting outcomes.

The 17th Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME) and the 11th Vietnam–Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition (SIE) will take place from August 6 to 8, 2025, at the I.C.E. Hanoi Exhibition Center (Vietnam–Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace).

More information is available at: www.vme-expo.com 

About RX Tradex Vietnam
RX Tradex is Asia's leading exhibition organizer and a member of RX, a global events company specializing in premium trade events that connect buyers with suppliers and strategic business partners. Globally, RX operates over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors. In Thailand and Vietnam, RX Tradex organizes 20 renowned international exhibitions and conferences.
With over 40 years of experience, RX Tradex has built an extensive industrial network, optimized by integrating event strategy, financial control, lean operations, and integrated communications, to deliver results through proven business connectivity success.