Vietnam is an important source of timber.

Supplies from Vietnam are highly valued.

IKEA Group is one of the world's largest privately owned furniture retailers. Mr. Giafar Safaverdi, Managing Director of IKEA Vietnam Services Co., Ltd., and Southeast Asia Supply Chain Manager of IKEA Group, shared that IKEA has been present in Vietnam through procurement and supply since 1993 and has continuously expanded its cooperation with various domestic suppliers over the years.

Vietnam is considered an important wood supply market for IKEA's suppliers. It provides a large quantity of acacia wood – a dark-colored wood with certified origins by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), suitable for IKEA's outdoor furniture products. In the near future, IKEA will explore purchasing rubberwood for various applications in furniture production.

“Vietnam plays a crucial role as a sourcing destination offering many advantages in IKEA’s supply chain. With its increasingly developed infrastructure and favorable trade policies, Vietnam presents new and sustainable development directions, in line with IKEA Group’s supply chain development strategy,” affirmed Mr. Giafar Safaverdi.

Representatives from IKEA Group (far left) participate in the workshop "Bringing Vietnamese fashion , furniture, and household goods into foreign distribution systems" within the framework of Viet Nam International Sourcing 2023.

In 2023, IKEA Group was one of the Swedish businesses participating in the Vietnam International Sourcing 2023 event. At this event, IKEA Group participated in the seminar "Bringing Vietnamese fashion, furniture, and household goods into foreign distribution systems"; participated in B2B activities; visited booths and connected with Vietnamese businesses in the wood and furniture industry… Vietnam International Sourcing 2023 was considered an important trade promotion event, helping to connect businesses in IKEA's supply chain.

Building on the positive results of 2023, IKEA Group will continue its participation in Vietnam International Sourcing 2024, scheduled to be held in June in Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. Giafar Safaverdi shared that IKEA aims to share its best practices in building a sustainable supply chain, in line with its sustainable development strategy "People & Planet Positive Strategy" across its entire global value chain.

In addition, the Group wishes to update practical experiences in building sustainable raw material and product supply chains from participating businesses in the context of Vietnam's current development.

“We hope that Vietnam International Sourcing 2024 can become a destination where participating businesses can promote knowledge sharing and efforts to strengthen the importance of building sustainable and long-term supply chain systems in Vietnam. Together, we can create more positive impacts on the livelihoods of local communities, improving environmental protection while simultaneously promoting economic development,” – Mr. Giafar Safaverdi expressed his expectations.

What are the criteria for becoming an IKEA partner?

As a leading global furniture and interior design company, joining IKEA's supply chain offers numerous benefits. Sharing IKEA's supplier selection criteria, Mr. Giafar Safaverdi stated that IKEA's suppliers and service providers are key partners in its development. Businesses within the supply chain share the responsibility of ensuring that IKEA's signature products are manufactured from sources that fully meet sustainability responsibilities, with the ability to produce products on time, in sufficient quantities, and with guaranteed quality at the most optimal cost to meet the needs of an ever-expanding customer base.

The IWAY standard – IKEA's Code of Responsible Procurement and Supply – was developed for our suppliers and service providers to ensure that our business practices are always environmentally friendly, socially responsible, conducive to workers' working conditions, and beneficial to animal welfare throughout our value chain. IWAY is IKEA's way of responsibly sourcing products, services, materials, and components, and is mandatory for all IKEA suppliers and service providers.

“ We hope that Vietnam International Sourcing 2024 can become a destination where participating businesses can promote knowledge sharing and efforts to strengthen the importance of building sustainable and long-term supply chain systems in Vietnam. Together, we can create more positive impacts on the livelihoods of local communities, improving environmental protection while simultaneously promoting economic development, ” – Mr. Giafar Safaverdi expressed his expectations.

Mr. Giafar Safaverdi further shared that Vietnamese businesses are considered to have many advantages as the EVFTA agreement has opened up significant opportunities globally. To take advantage of the opportunities this agreement brings and expand their presence in the international market, Vietnamese businesses need to develop appropriate action strategies. Manufacturers need to focus on complying with international standards, improving product quality, and researching trade support policies, as well as updating on global consumer trends and preferences. Furthermore, building a strong distribution network and focusing on developing sustainable business practices will help businesses fully exploit the potential of the EVFTA agreement.

From June 6-8, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, will organize a series of events titled "Connecting International Supply Chains" 2024. Viet Nam International Sourcing 2024 is expected to include many major activities such as: the "Connecting International Supply Chains" export forum; seminars, trade networking activities, and the Viet Nam International Sourcing Expo 2024...

Source: https://congthuong.vn/tap-doan-ikea-viet-nam-la-nguon-cung-ung-go-quan-trong-313115.html