Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City to run in August 2020

In February, the organisers of Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City decided to reschedule the 2020 show edition due to the coronavirus. The new date is 20 to 22 August at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC).

According to the organisers, the recent COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted opportunities in the local automotive manufacturing market where it aims to become more self-sufficient and take on some of the demand in the global supply chain. In fact, international industry players also see favourable benefits in the domestic market. For example, the country recorded USD four billion of foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first quarter of 2020, of which the manufacturing and processing sector saw some of the highest gain. To foster such growth in the automotive industry, international exhibitors at the show will present cutting-edge products, services and technologies to the local market. Activities are also set to improve Vietnamese talent in the auto industry; facilitate business exchange between domestic and overseas players, as well as explore foreign investment opportunities that will inevitably lead to more localisation in the automotive manufacturing development.

A recent forecast has predicted Vietnam’s GDP growth still can reach 6.3 per cent in 2020 as trade activities expect to pick up in the second half of the year. In efforts to achieve the 2020 growth target, the Vietnamese Government plans incentives to maintain market performance like providing tax-breaks and delaying tax payments that reduce pressure on businesses.

Fiona Chiew, deputy general manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd commented: “Despite current global challenges, it is encouraging to see an upswing of vehicle sales in Vietnam, with a year-on-year increase of 41 per cent, during the first quarter of 2020. It reaffirms the market’s strong growth prospects. Over the past three editions, the show has continued to highlight Vietnam’s development opportunities in the auto industry. The upcoming fair will be no exception. I am optimistic the show in August will be as successful as previous years, with the wide backing from many exhibitors, supporters, partners, and visitors.”

Elaborating on the show’s safety parameters, Ms Chiew continued: “The safety of our participants is a top priority for us. To ensure good hygiene standards are maintained during the preparation and across the three-day show, our team is working diligently to follow regulations recommended by the local authorities. For example, we will closely monitor fairground sanitation, proactively offer temperature-checks, provide hand sanitiser for attendees and more. These measures will ensure Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City remains a safe business platform for all participants.”

To drive business growth in the Vietnamese automotive market, the show puts “Business, Workshops and Experiences” at the core of its local development strategy. Both local and overseas exhibitors will accentuate collaborative opportunities to promote the passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, motorcycle, and automotive manufacturing and automation segments.

A series of fringe programme events like the Automotive Service and Maintenance Workshops and the Smart Factory and Industry 4.0 Conference will allow fairgoers to capture a unique fair experience. On top of this, the onsite Business Matching Programme aims to draw in exhibitors and visitors who are looking for collaboration and investment opportunities.