Billion-dollar livestock partnerships expected at ILDEX Viet Nam 2026

At a press conference on April 24 for the 10th International Livestock, Dairy, Meat Processing and Aquaculture Exposition (ILDEX Viet Nam 2026), Mr. Nguyen Thanh Son, Chairman of the Viet Nam Poultry Association (VPA), quoted former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan as saying: “Livestock farming is a profession of patience. But in the new context, it is also a profession that requires an understanding of natural laws and responsiveness to market demands.”

According to Mr. Son, in the era of innovation and artificial intelligence, Viet Nam’s livestock sector is at a major turning point. Moving beyond the goal of “raising more,” the industry must shift toward “raising better,” from “increasing herd size” to “enhancing value,” while placing stronger emphasis on environmental protection, food safety, and traceability. The key challenge now is to find a clear pathway for Vietnamese livestock products in the international market.

In this context, trade fairs and specialized exhibitions are no longer merely venues for business transactions but have become platforms for technology transfer and drivers of sustainable development.

Mr. Son noted that, for a long time, such exhibitions have largely been dominated by foreign enterprises, while Vietnamese companies have had limited participation and lacked strong linkages.

Therefore, establishing a Viet Nam National Pavilion on home ground is essential to build a unified image and voice for domestic enterprises.

At ILDEX Vietnam 2026, the Viet Nam National Pavilion will make its debut for the first time, initiated by the VPA with the support of regulatory agencies and organizing partners.

According to Mr. Son, the Viet Nam Pavilion is not only an exhibition space but also serves as an “ambassador of image” for Vietnam’s livestock industry, reflecting four core values.

First, it creates synergistic strength. Instead of participating individually, enterprises gather under a shared brand, forming collective strength to enhance international competitiveness.

Second, it provides a comprehensive picture of the livestock supply chain, from breeding stock, animal feed, and veterinary drugs to equipment, helping domestic and foreign investors access the sector more quickly and fully.

Third, the National Pavilion represents a statement of internal strength, demonstrating the shift from a consumer nation to one mastering technology, with “Made in Viet Nam” products meeting international standards.

In addition, the Pavilion serves as a platform to showcase Vietnam’s efforts in reducing net emissions and building a green, sustainable livestock ecosystem.

“For the first time implementing this model, the Organizing Committee has proposed supporting up to 40% of booth costs. As a result, many enterprises inside and outside the association have joined, with some even registering areas of over 100 square meters.

This is a positive signal, laying the foundation for Vietnamese enterprises not only to focus on the domestic market but also to move toward exports and enhance their position in the global market,” Mr. Son said.

From the perspective of a sector association, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Son expressed his expectation that this event will help turn billion-dollar “handshakes” into reality. Beyond mere visits and exhibitions, it is envisioned to become a true “trading floor,” where enterprises can sign strategic supply contracts and enable Vietnamese livestock products to penetrate deeper into the global food distribution chain.

In addition, the event is expected to support the industry’s transition from raw exports to high-value exports, competing not on low prices but on quality, safety standards, and technological capability, thereby increasing value per unit of product.

At the same time, it will promote the development of a sustainable ecosystem, strengthening linkages among domestic enterprises, international partners, and regulatory agencies.

“The presence of the Viet Nam Pavilion at ILDEX Viet Nam 2026 marks an important milestone, reflecting the aspiration for advancement, self-reliance, and deeper integration of Vietnam’s livestock sector into the global landscape,” the Chairman of the Viet Nam Poultry Association emphasized.

Providing further information on the National Pavilion, Mr. Nguyen Trung Chinh, Director of ITEC Company, said that business matchmaking activities will be intensified, creating opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to connect with international partners, gradually participate more deeply in global value chains, and open up new development prospects in the coming period.