Industry Specific Associations and Databases

Vietnam has a huge and diversified economy that spans many different industries. As these industries grow, many have created trade associations in order to actively promote specific industries’ interest not just in Vietnam but to the world. Several of these associations maintain their own databases of suppliers. This is not a complete list, as there are almost 100 different Trade associations in Vietnam, Cosmo maintains an internal database and if you reach out to us we can introduce you to one to fit your needs.

The Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association represents hundreds of manufacturers, suppliers and other companies associated with the clothing industry in Vietnam. The Association seeks to promote Vietnamese apparel, garment and textile manufacturers to the world and host regular events and trade shows as well as maintaining a directory of manufacturers. The directory is limited only to those manufacturers that pay the membership fee so it isn’t as complete as it should be.

Vietnam is one of the only countries that have a fully vertical supply chain for rubber goods. Vietnam has a large agricultural base to supply raw rubber and latex to factories that can make finished products.

VICOFA Is a private trade association representing the interest of the Coffee and Cacao industry. They represent over 100 members that range from Producers and farmers, as well as processors, warehousing and logistics companies that work with the coffee industry. Cosmo sourcing has a dedicated unit devoted to Coffee Sourcing and can help you out.

This association is more focused on the leather and handbag aspect than on shoes, but they do a great job connecting potential buyers in the leather goods industry. They have over 200 members who are predominantly in handmade leather goods.

Vietnam is the third-largest exporter of Seafood in the world producing over $5 Billion in seafood exports a year. VASEP represents hundreds of fisheries, fishermen, packaging companies and much more in the seafood industry. They also maintain their own supplier database. Cosmo does not have the capabilities to source seafood, so if you are interested in sourcing seafood from Vietnam please reach out to VASEP yourself.

One of the main products Cosmo sources for clients in Vietnam are steel goods. Vietnam is a great place to get a wide range of steel products, ranging from wire, nails, and rods to heavy steel beams and more.

Disappointingly low tech and outdated site for what is Vietnam's most promising and forward-thinking industry. The Vietnam Electronics industry represents a huge number of manufacturers of electronics in Vietnam and you can reach out to them in order to find a suitable partner.

Vietnam Sourcing Fairs and Trade Shows

Vietnam, much like the rest of the world has several trade shows throughout the year. Most of the trade shows in Vietnam are focused on specific industries. Trade shows are concentrated in just two cities as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City host over 90% of the trade shows in the country. For a full list of Trade shows in Vietnam check out: https://10times.com/vietnam/tradeshows

VIETNAM EXPO 2019 - http://vietnamexpo.com.vn/en

Vietnam Expo is Vietnam's largest trade show and is one of the only ones that are not focused on any particular industry. Vietnam Expo’s focus is on a general promotion of trade and industry in Vietnam and to connect international buyers to Vietnamese suppliers. Vietnam Expo aims to be for Vietnam what the Canton Fair is for China. The Fair is held in Hanoi and the next one will take place on April 8-14, 2019.

PREMIUM is one of the most popular fairs is held on May 30 - June 2, 2020, in Ho Chi Minh City. VIPREMIUM focuses on higher-end goods sold and manufacturers in Vietnam. To be clear the fair does have a large number of items that are manufacturers outside of Vietnam but available for wholesale, nonetheless, it is a good place to find higher-end goods in Vietnam.

Chambers of Commerce

Chambers of Commerce can often be a great start to find suppliers, as almost all of them maintain a large database of potential suppliers.

Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) supplies information to people who wish to find suppliers. Simply get in touch with a representative and you can get a list of Vietnamese members who could be potential partners. It’s a good resource to find a list of supplies but not a great way to form long-term relationships.

The American Chamber of Commerce, abbreviated to AmCham, is so large that they operate 2 of them, AmCham Hanoi and AmCham Ho Chi Minh City. Both are similar in that they promote American business interests abroad. They maintain a large database of American manufacturers and businesses in Vietnam and if you are an American or represent an American Company, you can connect you to Vietnamese suppliers in their database.

South Korea & Japan Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

I don’t want to go overboard with the listing chamber of commerce, but I’m linking both Japan and South Korea simply because both countries have a large manufacturing presence in Vietnam. Both of these chambers of commerce maintain a list of their companies from their respective countries that have manufacturing in Vietnam. While Vietnam's manufacturing has taken off their management in many ways still feels a little antiquated and many people prefer working with a foreign managed company that has a more western style of doing business.

There are over 120 countries Chamber of Commerce that are operating in Vietnam and you should be able to find them by putting in “[Country name] Chamber of Commerce Vietnam” and get the results you are looking for.

COSMO SOURCING, YOUR VIETNAM SOURCING COMPANY

If you’re looking for a partner in Vietnam then give Cosmo Sourcing a chance. If you are interested feel free to reach out to me at jim@cosmosourcing.com or ask me any questions you may have. Cosmo has been sourcing in Vietnam since 2014 and has worked with several clients to find products and partners and suppliers. Cosmo is one of the only Sourcing companies that have expertise in both China and Vietnam and can actively source and compare products in both countries. Thanks for reading and we look forward to working with you!