The fair has 240 stands (double that of last year’s number) showcasing products such as: garments and textiles, and Vietnamese handbags from businesses like Viet Thang, Viet Tien, Nha Be, Phuong Dong, Phong Phu, May 10, Dong Phuong and Phu Thai.

It is also displaying the latest materials and styles for this year’s Spring and Summer collections with the aim of making Vietnam a member of the Asian Fashion Federation (AFF) later this year.

Regarding the effects of the economic downturn, the global demand for textiles and garments has decreased by 15 percent and Vietnam’s total export revenue reached only US$4 billion, a year on year drop of 4.7 percent.

However, the number of contracts from the US, the EU and Japan has increased, together with the opening up of new markets such as the Middle East and Africa and an increasing focus on the domestic market. The total income from Vietnam’s textile and garment industry in the first half of this year has remained fairly stable.

The event will last until July 14.