Enhancing the position of Vietnam's wood export industry

On August 26, the 3rd Vietnam ASEAN International Furniture and Handicraft Export Fair - VIFA ASEAN 2025 opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center - Ho Chi Minh City.

Ribbon cutting ceremony to open the fair. Photo: M. Tuan

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Dung emphasized: VIFA ASEAN is not only a place to connect domestic enterprises with international markets, but also an important platform to promote import and export, thereby contributing to consolidating the position of Ho Chi Minh City on the global trade map. This year's fair has a special significance when gathering many units from key localities. In particular, the merger of Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau has expanded the scale and economic strength of Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Mr. Vu Ba Phu - Director of the Trade Promotion Agency ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), VIFA ASEAN 2025 is a trade bridge between Vietnamese and international enterprises, and at the same time a forum for sharing experiences, consumption trends and opportunities from the global supply chain.

To realize the goal of sustainable development and enhance the brand of “Vietnamese Wood”, the Trade Promotion Agency will continue to accompany businesses through trade promotion support activities, administrative procedure reform and international market expansion. This is a consistent commitment to promote the effective and sustainable development of the Vietnamese wood industry and enhance its position in the global market.

Visitors visit product display booths. Photo: M. Tuan

Also at the event, Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem - Director of the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry - Ho Chi Minh City Branch said that in the first 7 months of 2025, the wood and wood products industry continued to be a bright spot, with export turnover reaching 9.65 billion USD, an increase of 8.1% over the same period in 2024. The US market alone reached 5.41 billion USD, an increase of 10.5%, accounting for more than 56% of the total industry turnover, affirming Vietnam's position as one of the world's leading suppliers of wooden furniture.

However, Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem also warned that depending on a large market like the US poses risks when consumer demand fluctuates. Therefore, it is necessary to promote market diversification and expand exports to Japan, China, and the EU to ensure sustainable growth.

The highlight of VIFA ASEAN 2025 is the Business Matching program organized in parallel with two forms directly at SECC and remotely online. This solution helps Vietnamese enterprises to approach global importers more effectively, especially international partners who cannot attend directly.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/nang-cao-vi-the-nganh-go-xuat-khau-viet-nam-714045.html