The above content was stated by Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vo Tan Thanh at the opening ceremony of the VIFA EXPO 2025 Fair, organized by Lien Minh Wood Handicraft Joint Stock Company, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ho Chi Minh City Branch (VCCI - HCM) and Vietnam Association of Building Materials (VABM).

VCCI Vice Chairman Vo Tan Thanh speaks at the opening ceremony of VIFA EXPO 2025 - Photo: Dinh Dai.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, VCCI Vice Chairman Vo Tan Thanh assessed that in 2024, the Vietnamese wood and furniture industry made a strong impression with an export turnover of 16.25 billion USD, an increase of 20.3% compared to the previous year. This is not only the result of the persistent efforts of businesses, but also a testament to the competitiveness and increasingly solid position of the industry in the international market.

With a strategic vision, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has set an export target of 18 billion USD in 2025. To realize this goal, businesses need to proactively adapt to fluctuations in the global economy, while improving their competitiveness to create advantages in the market.

In that context, the Vietnamese wood and furniture industry needs to focus on the following three key points: Firstly, improve product quality: Invest in technology, innovate design, increase deep processing to create high-value products that meet international standards. Secondly, expand export markets: Proactively seek and exploit potential markets, while consolidating positions in traditional markets. Thirdly, apply technology and digital transformation: Strengthen supply chain management, trace product origin, and promote e-commerce to bring Vietnamese wood brands to the global market.

VIFA EXPO 2025, organized by Lien Minh Wood Handicraft Joint Stock Company, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ho Chi Minh City Branch (VCCI - HCM) and Vietnam Association of Building Materials (VABM) - Photo: Dinh Dai.

Vice Chairman of VCCI Vo Tan Thanh also assessed that the VIFA EXPO 2025 fair plays a particularly important role in connecting businesses with international markets, updating industry trends and expanding cooperation opportunities. With a scale of 40,000m2, more than 2,500 booths, and expected to attract 20,000 international visitors, this is not only the largest trade event of the Vietnamese wood and furniture industry, but also a bridge to bring Vietnamese products closer to the world market.

“In particular, this year, the fair has cooperated with leading cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Wayfair, bringing breakthrough export opportunities, helping businesses reach global customers more effectively,” said VCCI Vice Chairman Vo Tan Thanh.

At the same time, he also believes that VIFA EXPO 2025 will be an important boost, promoting the Vietnamese wood and furniture industry to develop more strongly, contributing positively to the country's economy.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung - Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said that since 2000, the Ho Chi Minh City export fair, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Trade, has included wood products in the city. And since then, Ho Chi Minh City's export goods have always been of interest to the city's business community and the community outside the city at the export goods fairs in Ho Chi Minh City. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City's antiques and handicrafts products have continuously developed.

Mr. Dung said that VIFA Expo has taken full advantage of this, attracting more and more businesses and buyers of wood and furniture from all over the world. The impressive scale of VIFA Expo 2025, with more than 40,000 m2 of exhibition area and more than 2,500 booths, is a clear demonstration of the attraction and importance of the fair. This event has not only created opportunities for businesses to introduce products and find partners, but also contributed to promoting the image of Ho Chi Minh City as a dynamic and modern economic center. “The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee is committed to and will continue to facilitate trade and export activities, support businesses to develop and improve their competitiveness. We believe that with the efforts of businesses, the support of authorities and the success of VIFA Expo, Ho Chi Minh City will increasingly affirm its position as the leading domestic and foreign trade center in the region,” affirmed Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Dung.