Hanoi (VNA) – The International Baby Products & Toys Expo and International Trendy Toys Expo Hanoi 2026 (IBTE Hanoi 2026) opened on June 18 at the Vietnam Exposition Centre (VEC) in Hanoi, creating a major trade networking platform for the toy, children’s products and related industries.
Running through June 21, the event is among the largest of its kind in Vietnam, bringing together more than 500 enterprises from Vietnam, China and other countries and territories, with over 1,000 booths across nearly 20,000 sq.m.
The event showcases five key product categories: trendy toys, children’s products, licensed intellectual property (IP) toys, traditional toys and stationery. Exhibits range from educational and creative toys to art toys, child care products and early childhood education solutions.
In his opening remarks, To Ngoc Son, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Department of Foreign Market Development, said with a population of more than 100 million, a young demographic structure, rapid urbanisation and a growing middle class, Vietnam is becoming one of the region’s most attractive consumer markets, he said.
Children are increasingly influencing household spending decisions, while demand is rising for products that combine entertainment with education, cognitive development and skills building. Son stressed that products for children should meet safety standards, respect intellectual property rights and align with Vietnam’s cultural values.
Representing the Chinese side, Miao Huawei, Exhibition Director at the Foreign Trade Development Bureau under China’s Ministry of Commerce, said Vietnam-China trade has maintained strong growth in recent years, reflecting the resilience of bilateral economic ties and significant cooperation potential.
The two economies are highly complementary and increasingly connected, creating favourable conditions for practical cooperation across multiple sectors, he said.
Miao noted that Vietnam’s improving business environment and the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have strengthened the country’s position as one of ASEAN’s most promising markets and an important gateway to Southeast Asia for Chinese businesses.
He expressed hope that IBTE Hanoi would serve as an effective platform linking suppliers and buyers, helping quality products reach consumers while promoting trade cooperation between the two countries.
Wei Min, Director General of the Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau, highlighted Guangzhou’s strengths as a manufacturing and international trade hub with a comprehensive industrial ecosystem.
At this year’s exhibition, more than 20 Guangzhou enterprises are showcasing over 300 “Made in Guangzhou” products, demonstrating the city’s manufacturing capabilities.
Wei also proposed three areas for cooperation with ASEAN: deeper trade promotion, expanded two-way investment and stronger industrial collaboration in high-tech sectors such as new-energy vehicles, artificial intelligence, electronics, biotechnology and consumer goods.
According to organisers, a series of business-matching activities and industry forums will be held during the exhibition to strengthen supply chain connectivity and promote regional cooperation.
The event has attracted distributors, wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce platforms, importers and educational institutions, reinforcing its role as a key meeting point for the toy and children’s products industry in the region./.
