The event is supported by Vingroup and many ministries, agencies, major corporations, trade associations, and domestic and international enterprises.
The fair brings together nearly 3,000 booths representing enterprises, cooperatives, craft villages, and traders from 34 provinces and cities across the country, along with many international partners such as Laos, Thailand, China, Cambodia, India, and Australia — creating a vibrant and colourful picture of trade and cultural exchange.
A colourful fair where culture meets commerce
A highlight of the fair is the participation of international businesses that bring distinctive cultural identities, offering Vietnamese visitors the opportunity to experience, explore, and connect with friends from around the world through products and stories.
Among these international “colours,” the presence of Laos — Viet Nam’s close neighbour and long-standing friend — stands out. The Lao booth, though modest in size, draws large crowds with its distinctly cultural products that reflect the unique spirit of the “Land of a Million Elephants.”
Visitors can admire and purchase exquisite handmade products such as wooden handicrafts, traditional woven scarves, local beverages (tea and coffee), herbal balms, natural cosmetics, forest honey, massage ointments, and various specialty spices. Each item is not merely a commodity but also a cultural story reflecting the lifestyle, customs, and spirit of the Lao people.
In particular, the traditional woven scarves are entirely handcrafted from natural cotton fibres and dyed with forest leaves by the skilful hands of ethnic women in the mountainous regions of Laos, offering a rustic yet refined beauty.
Every handcrafted item displayed at the booth carries the warmth and goodwill of the Lao people toward their Vietnamese friends. Chaleunsi Latsapha, a trader from Phetdavanh Enterprise (Laos), shared: “When we told people in the mountain villages that their handwoven scarves, herbal oils, and crafts would be showcased in Viet Nam, everyone was overjoyed. They saw it as an honour — a chance for Vietnamese friends to understand more about Lao culture.”
He added emotionally: “From that moment, the ethnic women worked with extra care, weaving each thread and designing each pattern with love. They told each other, ‘Let’s make everything beautiful and delicate so that when our products reach Viet Nam, they can carry the warmth and affection of the Lao people.’”
Equally impressive were hand-carved wooden elephant statues — symbols of the “Land of a Million Elephants” — admired by many visitors. The image of the gentle yet majestic elephant conveys hospitality and represents strength, wisdom, and enduring friendship.
Chaleunsi Latsapha continued: “We have brought to this fair not only our products but also the spirit of the Lao people — sincere, kind, and always considering Viet Nam our closest brother and friend.”
Trade bridge strengthening Vietnam–Laos friendship
Aiming to promote Lao brands, products, and cultural values, the Lao booth added a distinctive touch to the fair. The participation of Lao enterprises symbolises not only trade cooperation but also the spirit of solidarity and attachment between the two neighbouring nations.
Like other international partners, Lao traders expressed their hope to find trade promotion connections, expand import–export cooperation, and bring their local products to regional markets. They also voiced the wish for the Autumn Fair to become an annual event — a platform to boost trade, foster cultural exchange, and promote sustainable development between enterprises of both countries.
“We are delighted to see Vietnamese consumers showing great interest in Lao products,” said Chaleunsi Latsapha. “The fair not only provides opportunities for economic cooperation but also a bridge for our peoples to better understand each other through culture and human connection.”
The first Autumn Fair 2025, chaired by the Ministry of Industry and Trade with the coordination of various ministries, localities, and major enterprises, gathers nearly 3,000 booths from Vietnamese and international participants — including the cherished presence of Laos, a testament to the strong, enduring friendship between the two nations.
The fair not only creates opportunities for trade, product promotion, and investment connection but also serves as a bridge for spreading cultural values, strengthening the solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos as well as with international friends.
