An international exhibition on machine tools and metalworking technologies opened at the Saigon Exhibition andConvention Center in HCM City 7 on Oct. 8.

Metalex Vietnam 2009, which will run until October 10, brings together 500 well-known brands from 25 countries and territories including Singapore, Thailand, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and host nation Vietnam.

Products on display include new machinery and technologies in welding, factory automation, molds and dies, wire and tube technology, control measurement, tools and tooling and many more.

The exhibition also includes a “Hi-Tech Zone” where modern machinery and technology will be showcased and a “Robot Demonstration Zone” to highlight the extraordinary capacity of new industrial robots.

The event would be a good chance for industrialists to meet, exchange knowledge and ideas, learn from one another and build world –level business networks, said Nattha Chaowawanich, deputy managing director of Reed Tradex, the organiser.

Phan The Hao, chief of the representative office of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in HCM City , said: “To build competitiveness at a time of globalisation, getting new technologies and new machinery tools are essential.”

“Vietnam encourages all economic sectors to invest in the country, reinforce research and manufacturing capabilities to take more advantage of latest technologies in the region to produce more high-quality products,” he added.

Around 7,000 visitors are expected to attend the three-day event./.