Ensuring the progress of the Spring Fair 2026

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, along with representatives of ministries, sectors, industry associations, and local authorities.

According to the proposal prepared by Ministry of Industry and Trade, the fair is scheduled to take place over five days, from February 4 to 8, at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) in Dong Anh District, Hanoi, under the theme “Connecting Prosperity - A Glorious Spring.”

The event is expected to feature exhibition pavilions from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and domestic enterprises and cooperatives, as well as foreign-invested enterprises operating in Vietnam and international businesses and partners.

Reporting at the meeting, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan stated that following Decision No. 2807/QD-TTg dated December 26, 2025, on the establishment of the Steering Committee for National Trade Fairs, the Committee has been consolidated and is now officially operational. Based on the Deputy Prime Minister’s direction, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has developed the proposal for organizing national trade fairs in 2026.

Under the proposal, two key national trade fairs are planned for 2026: the Spring Fair and the Autumn Fair. In addition, the organization of several thematic fairs may be considered, depending on practical needs of specific sectors and localities, in order to expand trade promotion space.

Regarding preparations, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said Ministry has drafted regulations and coordination mechanisms to ensure unified, synchronized and effective implementation. At the same time, official invitations have been sent to provincial and municipal People’s Committees, industry associations and the business community to participate, with the goal of achieving a scale and level of dynamism surpassing that of the Autumn Fair 2025.

Under the division of responsibilities, Ministry of Industry and Trade serves as the overall coordinator, responsible for content integration and organizational management. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is tasked with cultural and artistic activities, stage performances and festival spaces. Industry associations and localities will coordinate in organizing exhibition areas showcasing regional specialty products, traditional craft village products and OCOP items. Media agencies are required to step up communication and promotion before, during and after the fair.

In addition, Vingroup will coordinate in expanding exhibition space and technical infrastructure, and study the expansion of outdoor areas associated with Lunar New Year activities.

Ministry of Industry and Trade proposed that the Deputy Prime Minister continue directing ministries, sectors and localities to work closely together to create a Spring National Trade Fair of true national stature, while agreeing on financial mechanisms in the direction of saving state budget resources and strengthening socialization.

In the longer term, the Ministry proposed maintaining at least two annual national trade fairs (Spring and Autumn), gradually upgrading them to an international level and attracting broad participation from domestic and foreign enterprises. This would help establish national trade fairs as reputable trade promotion destinations of Vietnam.

Sharing opinions at the meeting, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said the Ministry had submitted written comments on the 2026 trade fair proposal in general and the National Spring Fair in particular, and that most of these comments had been incorporated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Regarding the venue, a representative of the Vietnam National Exhibition Center stated that the Center has proactively prepared comprehensive plans and stands ready to coordinate with relevant units to ensure the success of the fair.

Toward an international-scale national trade fair model

At the meeting, representatives of ministries, sectors and industry associations all agreed with the proposal for organizing national trade fairs in 2026, while emphasizing the need for careful consideration to ensure that the fairs effectively disseminate brand value commensurate with national and international scale. Many opinions also noted that in the initial years, financial support from the state budget is necessary to ensure effective and sustained organization.

Concluding the meeting after hearing contributions from ministries, sectors and business associations, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the organization of the fair aims to promote product branding, stimulate consumption of domestic goods, and create a new momentum as the country welcomes the Year of the Horse and enters a new era of national development.

He assigned Ministry of Industry and Trade to incorporate feedback from the meeting and urgently finalize the proposal on January 9 for submission to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision.

Ministry of Industry and Trade was also tasked with coordinating with the People’s Committees of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to finalize the overall design and zoning layout, serving as a basis for ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises to develop detailed designs for each area, while ensuring a balanced product structure and avoiding duplication.

Regarding funding, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop a detailed budget plan, clearly identifying supported items, contents and levels of support for participating ministries, localities and enterprises. He emphasized that any contractor designation, if applicable, must strictly comply with legal regulations and guidance of Ministry of Finance, ensuring transparency, openness, and the prevention of waste and misconduct.

On communications, the Deputy Prime Minister called on localities and enterprises to work closely with media agencies to promote products. Regarding timing, he suggested that Ministry of Industry and Trade consider extending the duration of the fair from five days to one week to facilitate visits and shopping by domestic consumers and foreign visitors alike, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the event.