This biennial event is held in Bangkok in March at the BITEC centre. A few years ago, it was rumoured that the event would have to relocate due to size constraints to a larger but less accessible venue but a new extension is rising rapidly and so the Centre will be able to handle the ever-increasing number of exhibitors and visitors for some years to come.

In his opening address, Dr Apichart Pongsrihadulchai, Thailand Vice Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives highlighted the importance of the livestock sector not just for the Thai market but for the growing export market, with Russia, Netherlands, Japan, the US and China all being targeted. Dr Pongsrihadulchai also emphasised the great importance of food product safety in livestock production.

Dairying is of increasing importance in Asia and biogas is a technology that is also of growing significance in this region. At this year’s event, each had a dedicated pavilion area grouping the related exhibits together. Furthermore, attendees could also attend technical conferences relating specifically to these two topic areas.

Aquatic Pavilion at VIV Asia 2015

Aquaculture is big business in Asia and many companies could be found in the Aquatic pavilion.

The number of national pavillions is increasing at VIV Asia. These act as an umbrella, allowing small companies, which otherwise might not have exhibited due to the cost of a stand-alone booth, to have a presence at the show.

The opening day of trade show is often not that busy but that certainly was not the case at VIV Asia, with the organisers expecting around 30,000 visitors over the course of the three-day event, keen to see what the 800 exhibitors from 120 countries had to offer.

VIV Asia is a very vibrant and well-run event. It is set to return to the BITEC Centre and for your diary, the next one will be held from 8 to 10 March 2017.