According to Thai Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Wiraka Moodhitaporn, the 10th International Livestock, Dairy, Meat Processing and Aquaculture Exposition (ILDEX) Vietnam 2026 has become one of the Asia-Pacific region’s largest exhibitions for the livestock and food industries.

After more than 20 years in Vietnam, the event has evolved beyond a trade platform to support investment, technology transfer and regional supply chain cooperation.

This year’s exhibition also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Thailand. Thai representatives said agriculture and food are becoming new strategic areas of cooperation between the two countries, in line with the “Three Connects” initiative aimed at strengthening supply chains and boosting local economies.

Vietnam’s agricultural sector currently contributes around 11.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) and provides livelihoods for millions of people. Vietnam also leads ASEAN and ranks sixth globally in pork production, accounting for about 3% of global output.

Thailand, meanwhile, is accelerating its “Thailand 10 Plus” strategy, which prioritizes next-generation food industries, clean energy and digital industries. The overlap in the two countries’ strengths is creating significant opportunities for business cooperation.

In addition to exhibition activities, ILDEX Vietnam 2026 will host a series of industry seminars and discussions where experts and businesses can share advanced technologies, share experience and showcase sustainable production models.

Wiraka Moodhitaporn said 2026 marks an important milestone in Thailand-Vietnam relations as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties. She said the anniversary shows the strength of bilateral relations and a shared vision for closer cooperation and sustainable growth in the years ahead, adding that she is pleased the exhibition forms part of activities promoting cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam during the milestone year.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s agricultural sector has achieved significant progress after more than 45 years of restructuring. In 2025, the country recorded a record 43.5 million tonnes of food grain output, while fisheries production hit nearly 10 million tonnes. Total agricultural exports rose to US$70.61 billion, generating a trade surplus of US$21.31 billion.

During the four-month period of 2026, agricultural exports increased 5.8% year-on-year to US$20.03 billion, with a trade surplus of US$5.47 billion. The livestock sector is also rapidly shifting toward industrial-scale production, with exports rising 45.5% as Vietnam targets US$1 billion in livestock exports by 2027. The government has reaffirmed that agriculture remains a key pillar of the national economy.

ILDEX Vietnam 2026 to spotlight sustainable transformation in agrifood sector

The 10th International Livestock, Dairy, Meat Processing and Aquaculture Exposition (ILDEX Vietnam 2026) is scheduled to take place from May 20 to 22, underscoring the industry’s shift towards greener production, digitalisation and more resilient, efficient value chains.

Over 280 companies will join ILDEX Vietnam 2018

More than 280 companies will gather at ILDEX Vietnam 2018, an international exhibition focusing on livestock, dairy, meat processing and aquaculture held in Ho Chi Minh City from March 14 -16.