Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Dieu Thuy (in Ao Dai - Vietnamese traditional long dress) visits the booths at the Mega Us Expo 2024. (Photo: NDO)

The three-day event is co-hosted by the Jeonbuk Centre for Creative Economy and Innovation (JBCCEI), the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Saigon Innovation Hub (SIHUB), and the Koretoviet Trade Promotion Centre.

Building on the success of 2022 and 2023 editions which saw 1,675 business-to-business meetings held and 171 international agreements signed, this year's event also features the participation of over 30 centres and organisations supporting innovative startups, universities, and government agencies involved in business and startup innovation from the RoK.

Exhibitors represent a wide range of industries, from food and cosmetics to technology and lifestyle, offering a comprehensive look at the latest advancements.

The signing ceremony of memoranda of understanding between the RoK and Vietnamese agencies at the event. (Photo: NDO)

The expo creates a chance for Vietnamese firms to network, interact, and seek investment from various countries. Additionally, they can connect with numerous agencies, organisations, universities, and trade associations from both the RoK and Vietnam.

In her opening speech, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Dieu Thuy said Ho Chi Minh City boasts the most dynamic ecosystem in Vietnam, with over half of the country's startups and 40% of the incubators and startup support facilities. The city also accounts for 44% of the venture capital and over 60% of the successful deals nationwide.

According to the Startup Blink, Ho Chi Minh City ranks 111th out of the 1,000 cities globally in the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, making it one of the most dynamic startup ecosystems in the world. It is also listed among the top 81-90 emerging startup ecosystems globally in the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome.

The event, expected to draw about 5,000 visitors and facilitate 1,500 business meetings, goes beyond business deals. It highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of young people through activities such as the Univ.Star student start-up idea contest and the Venture.Star investment pitching programme.