MICAM Milano seeks deeper ties with Vietnam’s footwear industry

At a networking event held on Tuesday in Ho Chi Minh City, Italian and Vietnamese stakeholders explored opportunities for collaboration, underscoring strengthening economic and creative ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Italy’s Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Alessandra Tognonato, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Italy and Vietnam.

“This event reflects the enduring friendship between Italy and Vietnam, as well as our shared commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth in the footwear sector,” she said.

Organized by the Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with the Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association, the event introduced MICAM Milano as a global platform showcasing high-quality, innovative, and sustainable footwear.

Ilaria Piccinni, trade commissioner to Vietnam, said the initiative aims to help Vietnamese companies strengthen their connections with international markets.

“MICAM Milano is not only a showcase of excellence in Italian and global footwear, but also a strategic gateway for Vietnamese businesses to access new partners, trends, and export opportunities,” she noted.

With more than 800 brands and buyers from over 130 countries, MICAM Milano is positioning itself as a key platform for Vietnamese firms seeking to expand globally.

Vietnam, already among the world’s largest footwear exporters, is increasingly recognized as a dynamic market with growing capabilities in design and branding.

A highlight of the event was a seminar on Spring-Summer 2027 footwear trends, offering insights into materials innovation, consumer behavior, and emerging design directions.

Julia Stratmann, head of trends at Livetrend, said the industry is undergoing rapid transformation.

“From sustainability to digitalization, brands must adapt quickly to meet new consumer expectations. The future of footwear lies at the intersection of technology, creativity, and responsible production,” she said.

Discussions also spotlighted MICAM Next, a platform exploring emerging themes such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and customization — key drivers expected to reshape the sector.

Beyond presentations, the event also provided opportunities for networking and partnership-building between Vietnamese and international participants.

Federico Vasoli, chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, said such initiatives help strengthen bilateral business ties.

“We see strong potential for collaboration between Italian expertise in design and Vietnamese strengths in production and market growth,” he said.

As global supply chains continue to evolve, MICAM Milano’s outreach to Vietnam reflects growing recognition of the country not only as a manufacturing hub but also as an emerging player shaping the future of the global footwear industry.