International Optical Vietnam iOV 2008–1st edition

A trade event featuring Contact Lenses, Frames & Mountings, Lenses, Sportswear, Sunglasses, Optometric Instruments, Spectacle Cases & Holders, Related Equipment & Technology, Related Chemical & Materials, Related Services and Publications.

November 14 - 16, 2008 (1st Edition) at Ho Chi Minh City International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Vietnam. iOV will be a new and dynamic marketplace for smart suppliers that sell, market, or promote innovative optical products and services across all platforms to professionals and buyers from Vietnam and the other 9 ASEAN member countries with over 500 million population, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

The country is benefited from continued market reforms and its greater access to world markets, resulting with its accession to the WTO in January 2007. Domestic demand was a major growth driver, supported by strong export expansion (particularly manufactured goods) and increased foreign direct investment from Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, EU and the U.S. In the year 2007, Viet Nam brought in 20.30 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI), a year-on-year increase of 69.10 percent.

Strong economic growth has led to significant increases in consumers' disposable incomes in recent years, with a consequent increase in spending power. Over the years 2001-2006 , Vietnam has a population of some 85 million, has enjoyed annual GDP growth of average 7.5%, with 8.4% likely in 2007. According to the surveys by United Nations, Vietnam has the best global track record for poverty reduction over the past 10 years. Furthermore, the country¡¦s accession to the World Trade Organisation is almost certain to boost the economy further, facilitating continued growth in the beauty goods market environment.

Over 50% of the Vietnamese population is under 35 years of age, and this young, aspirational generation is expected to underpin the performance of the optical goods and eye-care market over the coming decades. Young consumers not only demonstrate a tendency to spend more than their older counterparts, they are also more open to new products and eye-care trends. They are also more prepared to make trial purchases, and are particularly interested in value-added products. The demand for eyewear and eye-care products among the wealthiest group of consumers living in the large cities is also expected to increase sharply, due to their greater exposure to western lifestyles.

At the end of the review period domestic manufacturers held relatively small value shares in Vietnam¡¦s optical products, eye-care and accessories market. Vietnamese consumers tend to prefer foreign brands, as these are generally considered to be of higher quality, and also more reliable than offerings from domestic players.

Recognising the wealth of business opportunities present in Vietnam’s rapidly developing and largely unpenetrated optical professional service and industry sector, iOV 2008 is the brand new event developed specifically for Vietnam and the neighbouring regions, especially those from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Taking place from November 14 - 16, 2008 at Ho Chi Minh City International Exhibition & Convention Centre, S.R. Vietnam. iOV 2008 will provide the much-needed face-to-face gathering for networking and conducting business with your potential clients and a selected group of industry professional and leaders from ASEAN member countries, including importers, distributors, retailers and traders in the optical industries.