The international maritime expo, INMEX Vietnam opened on March 18 at the Tan Binh Exhibition and Convention Centre in HCM City’s Tan Binh district, drawing over 300 leading industry companies and brands around the world.

Participants to the event are 120 countries and territories, that are known for their strong maritime industries including Singapore, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and Norway.

Co-hosted by the Vietnam Trade Fair & Vinexad Advertising Joint Stock Company and Informa Exhibitions, the event is expected to improve networking opportunities, capture visitor interest and encourage activities in the Vietnamese maritime business community.

According to Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Ho Thi Kim Thoa, Vietnam is increasingly seen as an attractive retail market to foreign investors and a gateway market to the region, as evidenced through 298 billion USD in export revenue in 2014.

With a coastline of more than 3,200 kilometres, Vietnam has huge potential in shipping and other sea-related services.

Managing Director of Infoma Exhibitions David Bondi said Vietnam’s maritime sector is expected to reach up to 1.5 billion USD in revenue in 2020 due to a number of trade transactions between Vietnam and other countries expected to be signed.

INMEX Vietnam is the most comprehensive international business platform encompassing all aspects of ship building, ship repairs, shipping, maritime engineering, offshore engineering & technology, dredging equipment and ports & logistics.

The event will run through March 20.-VNA