GITEX expands to Vietnam

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Hanoi, Vietnam, 24th April: GITEX, the world’s leading tech show brand, announced to expand its portfolio to the Vietnamese market, following the recently signed joint declaration of intent between Vietnam and the UAE to launch talks on establishing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) and elevate existing trade and economic ties to new heights.

The inaugural edition of GITEX VIETNAM will be held in Hanoi, running from 1st to 2nd October 2026, and it will be organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC).

GITEX now organises shows in seven countries, including Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, and Vietnam. The Vietnam edition will focus on the nation’s vast potential to global audiences, facilitate digital investment opportunities, inspire new partnerships, and amplify new opportunities for Vietnam’s tech ecosystem to scale globally.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC & CEO of KAOUN International, said, “The inaugural GITEX VIETNAM shall represent a watershed in the digital transition of Vietnam and the rising Southeast Asia emerging economies. GITEX shall spotlight and amplify the accomplishments, forward policies, talents, developing infrastructure, and growing aspirations of a steadfast and ambitious young economy to the rest of the world. This shall unleash a surge of new business collaborative opportunities between government and private sectors across the world. GITEX shall elevate the vibrant and highly motivated regional ecosystems, often understated and unfamiliar to global communities, onto the international tech universe. I think the tech world will be in for a pleasant surprise.”

Netsun’s revenues up 29% in FY2024

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Hangzhou, 29th April: Shenzhen-listed Zhejiang Netsun announced its results for the year ended 31st December 2024, with revenues of US$77 million. This represents modest year-on-year growth of 29%. The increase was mainly due to the increase in supply chain business revenue during the year.

However, the company posted a net loss of US$3.1 million in 2024, compared with a net profit of US$2.7 million recorded in 2023. The company attributed the loss to the provision for bad debts of receivables for compensation in the reported period increased compared with the previous year.

In terms of business segments, the supply chain business accounted for 85% of total revenues, amounting to US$65 million, which grew 45% year-on-year. The second largest business segment, Internet services, generated revenues of US$6.8 million and accounted for 8.8% of total revenues.

The Hangzhou-based company also reported its results for the quarter ended 31st March 2025. Netsun’s revenues in the quarter jumped 98%, reaching US$22 million. The company’s net profit in the quarter were US$221,000, which represented a year-on-year decline of 33%.

Made-in-China.com up in revenues and profits in Q1

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Nanjing, 30th April: Focus Technology, the operator of Made-in-China.com which is a B2B sourcing platform, has reported revenues of US$61 million in the quarter ended 31st March 2025, which is a year-on-year increase of 15%.

The company’s net profit grew 46%, amounting at US$15 million in the first quarter of 2025. Diluted earnings per share in the three-month period were RMB 0.353 (US$0.049). The company’s management did not provide any comment on its performance in the reported period.

As of 31st March, Made-in-China.com reported 28,118 registered members on its platform and in a new development, in which, over 11,000 members paid for Made-in-China.com’s AI service.

100,000 buyers at HKTDC’s seven mega events

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Hong Kong, 30th April: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded seven trade events in late April, covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, attracting some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions, with buyer numbers increased across all exhibitions.

The seven events featured some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), while Hong Kong Printing & Packaging Fair, and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong took place at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), running from 27th to 30th April. Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), and Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) ran at the HKCEC, from 28th to 30th April.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, was quoted, “The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”

Quick takes

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160 delegates at 2025 UFI MEA Conference

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its 2025 UFI MEA Conference, hosted from 28th to 30th April in Cairo, Egypt, by the EECA (Egyptian Expo & Convention Authority) at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center. A total of 160 industry leaders and decision-makers from 26 countries attended the conference, making it the largest to date.

Tan Mei Phing appointed as MyCEB’s CEO

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) announced the appointment of Miss Tan Mei Phing as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 21st April 2025. In her new role, she will oversee the strategic direction, financial planning, and operational execution of MyCEB’s initiatives, ensuring its continued growth and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a premier destination for business events.

ICC Sydney appoints new Director of Event Delivery

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) promoted Marc Singerling as Director of Event Delivery, effective 14th April 2025. Recently served as F&B services manager and led the internal operational management group, Singerling will report to ICC Sydney’s General Manager – Operations, Lynell Peck.

New B2B online platform helps inbound business

A new B2B tourism resources platform, TourCon, has been launched, helping inbound travel agents promote and sell programmes for Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and China to international markets. It is a membership-based platform supported and developed by six tourism-related associations, aiming to drive regional cooperation, support digital transformation, and enable more efficient transaction matching. The platform targeted at Macau first and has already worked with the Macao Government Tourism Office on B2B roadshows in Dubai and Jakarta.