Vietnamese agricultural and processed food products are now available in over 190 countries and territories. Many sectors within this field have contributed over $1 billion to annual export turnover, including fruits and vegetables, rice, cashews, coffee, and shrimp.
However, food and agriculture businesses still face challenges and competitive pressures in the international market. In reality, Vietnamese businesses are going through governance changes to achieve sustainable development and integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards into their business strategies.
To continue trade promotion and market expansion amid current uncertainties, the “3rd Ho Chi Minh City International Food Industry Exhibition 2024” (HCMC FOODEX 2024) opened on May 15, 2024, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). Nearly 400 businesses participated, expecting to attract 18,000 visitors.

Over 500 booths featured raw and semi-processed food products such as agricultural produce, seafood, spices, and processed items like coffee, milk tea, baking flour, and prepared foods. Many booths offered free samples or promotions to stimulate demand and introduce new products to buyers and consumers.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, shared that the city’s economy in the first months of 2024 continued its recovery momentum. Accumulated export turnover for the first four months of 2024 is estimated at $15.05 billion, an increase of 18.1% compared to the same period last year. However, the city’s import and export activities still face challenges.
Given the difficulties faced by businesses, the city’s leaders have committed to accompanying and implementing practical and strong solutions to support businesses, such as promoting trade promotion activities and connecting support funds.
According to Mr. Dung, Ho Chi Minh City recognizes that contributing to the sustainable development of the country’s economy requires strengthening support for the business community by creating conditions for businesses to produce high-quality and competitive goods and services.
The city needs to organize trade promotion activities to help businesses promote their products and expand domestic and international consumption markets.
“This exhibition is a practical activity to support businesses in recovering production and business, contributing to introducing the dynamic development of Ho Chi Minh City’s food processing industry,” said Mr. Dung.

Mr. Dao Minh Chanh, Deputy Director of ITPC, shared that the unit aims to make the Ho Chi Minh City International Food Industry Exhibition an ideal destination for localities and businesses, creating a favorable environment to promote the rapid and sustainable development of the city’s food industry.
Especially, the highlight of the program is a cooking contest with the theme “Vietnamese Soul in Contemporary Cuisine.” The contest is expected to introduce the exquisite and unique cuisine of Vietnam to domestic and international visitors. The requirement is for teams to use Vietnamese agricultural produce to create contemporary dishes.
“The program aims to combine the promotion and consumption connection of Vietnamese agricultural products through culture and cuisine, creating an impressive and effective direction for visitors,” said Mr. Dao Minh Chanh.