In a significant move highlighting Vietnam's rising stature in global supply chains, the international fashion giant H&M is set to participate for the first time in the Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 event. Scheduled from September 4 to 6 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, this event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.
The presence of H&M, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, underscores a growing trend among Nordic companies to deepen their sourcing ties with Vietnamese enterprises. Alongside H&M, a delegation of major Nordic businesses representing sectors such as retail, consumer goods, logistics, and sustainable production will also attend. This reflects a robust shift towards Vietnam as a preferred hub for international supply chains, especially in sustainable and green production.
According to the Vietnamese Trade Office in Sweden, the Nordic delegation is carefully curated to include leading names that have a global footprint and a strong commitment to sustainable business practices. The event will feature over 500 exhibiting businesses and attract approximately 300 international purchasing delegations, signaling its expanding scale and influence.
Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 is more than just a trade fair. It offers a rich program of specialized seminars, B2B trade connections, and factory and industrial park tours. These activities focus on critical themes such as European export standards, the green transition, logistics, and international brand building. This comprehensive approach aims to equip Vietnamese suppliers to meet the stringent demands of global markets, especially Europe.
H&M's participation is particularly noteworthy because of its pioneering role in building green supply chains. The company emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility throughout its operations. The Vietnamese Trade Office highlighted that "H&M's presence will not only bring concrete cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese suppliers but also enhance the image of Vietnamese goods and businesses." This endorsement underlines the strategic importance of the event for Vietnam’s export sector.
The participation of H&M also serves as a clear signal of the potential Vietnamese suppliers hold in meeting the rigorous standards of European markets. This is a vital step for Vietnam as it seeks to elevate its export industries, particularly in fashion, textiles, and sustainable supply chains, to a higher value and quality level.
Beyond the sourcing event, H&M has expressed its intention to expand its supply chain and production footprint in Vietnam. The company aims to leverage Vietnam’s competitive advantages, including a large labor force, improving infrastructure, and strong potential for sustainable development. This aligns with a broader strategy among Nordic companies to diversify their supply chains and capitalize on Vietnam’s favorable investment climate.
Vietnam’s appeal to Nordic businesses is further strengthened by its strategic geographic location, abundant workforce, and competitive costs. In recent years, an increasing number of companies from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway have chosen Vietnam as a key destination for production expansion. This trend was highlighted in March 2025 when nearly 30 Swedish companies visited Vietnam shortly after a delegation from the Swedish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee conducted an official visit. This wave of interest underscores Sweden’s growing engagement with Vietnam’s market.
Crucially, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has played a significant role in accelerating this trend. By substantially reducing tariffs, the agreement has made it much easier for Nordic companies to export goods manufactured in Vietnam to European markets. This trade facilitation has enhanced Vietnam’s attractiveness as a manufacturing and sourcing base.
The Viet Nam International Sourcing event itself serves as a vital platform for connecting supply and demand on a global scale. It is not only a marketplace but also a hub for professional exchange, knowledge sharing, and exploring effective cooperation models. As Vietnam increasingly integrates into international supply chains, events like this are pivotal in showcasing the country’s capabilities and fostering sustainable business relationships.
In the past two years, the Vietnamese Trade Office in Sweden has successfully organized Nordic business delegations featuring renowned brands such as IKEA, Port of Gothenburg, F&H, and Scanesia. These delegations have participated in Viet Nam International Sourcing to explore sourcing opportunities, conduct on-site company assessments, and secure cooperation agreements with Vietnamese enterprises. The consistent involvement of these major players reflects the growing confidence in Vietnam’s business environment and supply chain potential.
Overall, H&M’s debut at Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 encapsulates a broader narrative of Vietnam’s emergence as a key player in global sustainable supply chains. It highlights the country’s ability to meet high environmental and social standards, a critical factor for many international companies today. This event is poised to open new doors for Vietnamese businesses, helping them to connect with global buyers, enhance their export capabilities, and contribute to a greener, more responsible global economy.
