HCMC – HortEx Vietnam 2025, the seventh International Exhibition & Conference on Horticultural Production and Processing Technology, opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in HCMC on March 12.
The event features 303 exhibitors and nearly 400 brands from 30 countries and territories, including Austria, India, Belgium, Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Israel, the U.S., Japan, and France. Organizers anticipate over 15,000 trade visitors.
Alongside international participants, the exhibition also gathers Vietnamese businesses, cooperatives, and agricultural producers from 16 provinces such as HCMC, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Binh Duong, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, and Thanh Hoa.
There will be a B2B & VIP Buyer program, allowing exhibitors to connect directly with potential buyers, distributors, retailers, and importers in the horticulture sector.
Industry-specific seminars, export forums, and specialized flower workshops are also taking place to offer insights into market trends and business growth strategies.
Speaking about the event, Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands in HCMC, stated that the Netherlands had implemented various projects in Vietnam across horticulture, aquaculture, and livestock in key agricultural areas. He noted that the Netherlands had actively participated in HortEx since its first edition in 2019 as the Partner Country and continued its strong presence this year with 21 Dutch companies.
Speaking to The Saigon Times, Michael Vandevoorde, an exhibitor at the event, said this was his first time introducing his products to the Vietnamese market. His company specializes in a growing medium made primarily from sphagnum moss, designed for superior drainage and ideal for incubating young trees.
Vandevoorde noted Vietnam’s agricultural sector has advanced significantly since his first visit years ago, with a noticeable shift toward green and sustainable practices. He sees the country as a promising market for eco-friendly solutions and hopes to connect with local importers to distribute his products.
Running alongside HortEx Vietnam 2025, AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2025 has been held in Vietnam for the first time.
Organized by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the exhibition aims to promote sustainable farming solutions under the theme “Green Innovation” from March 12-14.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam emphasized that Vietnam’s agriculture sector remains a key pillar of the economy, with agricultural exports exceeding US$62 billion.
Nam highlighted the ongoing shift towards a green agricultural model, which integrates mechanization and sustainable practices to enhance value and competitiveness. According to him, AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2025 serves as an important platform for connecting producers, distributors, and farmers, fostering mechanization and innovation in Vietnamese agriculture.
Arjun, an attendee from India, explained that he learned about the event through his Vietnamese friends, who are farmers in Long An. Eager to explore new innovations and stay informed on global market trends, he was particularly drawn to the presence of international participants. The highlight for him was the auto-drive rice harvester, a technology he believes could significantly benefit his rice fields back in India.
Vousic Li, a representative from an agricultural drone company, explained that agriculture is now shifting towards controlling everything via smartphones. With just one click, 50 hectares of land can be fertilized or seeded in just three to five hours, saving both labor costs and money compared to traditional methods. Additionally, a new job has emerged in Vietnam—drone controllers. Many pilots work for agricultural service companies that provide drone-based services like pesticide spraying, fertilization, or seeding. Typically, payment is based on the number of hectares completed, with a rate of around VND25,000 per hectare. Outside of service companies, numerous freelancers also own drones and operate independently.
