HANOI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The first phase of the annual international exhibition on construction, building materials, real estate and exterior-interior decoration, or Vietbuild Hanoi, kicked off here on Wednesday.

At the five-day expo, nearly 500 firms from over a dozen countries, including China, Vietnam, the United States, Germany, Russia and Australia, among others, are showcasing their latest products at some 1,700 booths.

Seminars on new technologies, environmental-friendly construction and new policies by governments will also be held.

The second phase of Vietbuild Hanoi will be held on Sept. 6-10 with 1,500 booths, while the third one is slated for Nov. 23-27 with 1,700 booths, said the organizers.