VIFA ASEAN 2025: Establishing a connection between Vietnam's furniture industry and global markets

The Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) hosted the third Vietnam–ASEAN International Furniture and Handicraft Fair (VIFA ASEAN 2025), which encompasses the theme "Where Southeast Asian Furniture Excellence Converges". The event commenced on August 26 and will conclude on August 29.

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Ho Chi Minh City Branch (VCCI-HCM), Lien Minh Handicraft and Wood JSC, and the Vietnam Association for Building Materials are the organizations responsible for organizing the event. The Vietnam Coconut Association, the Ho Chi Minh City Advertising Association, and the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association have provided their support.

Vietnam's indoor–outdoor furniture and handicraft sector - and ASEAN's more broadly-continues to expand rapidly, solidifying its position on the global export map, according to Dang Quoc Hung, CEO of Lien Minh Handicraft and Wood JSC. Vietnamese furniture and craft products not only provide aesthetics and utility but also represent cultural identity, creativity, and craftsmanship.

This year's exhibition includes exhibitors from Indonesia, Thailand, China, the United States, India, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, in addition to provinces such as Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Binh Duong, Long An, and Dong Nai. The displays encompass a wide range of items, including indoor and outdoor furniture (for residential, office, hotel, and resort settings), handicrafts, interior décor, housewares, architecture, design, construction, and new consumer trends, as well as machinery, equipment, materials, and support services.

According to Nguyen Ba Phu, Director General of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade), VIFA ASEAN has become one of the most eagerly anticipated annual events for the wood, furniture, and handicraft industries in Southeast Asia, not only in Vietnam.

"The resilience of Vietnam's business community and the sweat, effort, and dedication of millions of workers are the driving forces behind the exquisite products and unique designs on display”. The Ministry will continue to provide a platform for enterprises to exchange, learn, and capture the latest global market trends, while also showcasing Vietnamese excellence and creativity. Nguyen Ba Phu stated that the Ministry will continue to support businesses and establish favorable conditions to establish Ho Chi Minh City as a must-visit destination on the global trade fair and exhibition map.

Nguyen Van Dung, the Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, observed that the sectors on display at VIFA ASEAN 2025, including handicrafts, wood, and wood products are not only critical to the city's economy, but also to the national economy, particularly in light of the city's merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

"The fair reinforces Ho Chi Minh City's status as an international trading hub and stimulates broader economic growth for the city and the Southern Key Economic Region by facilitating the access of city-based companies to international markets and the unlocking of cooperation and trade opportunities." He stated that the city's growth is primarily driven by the robust development of enterprises, particularly in the furniture and timber industries.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 is expected to welcome more than 10,000 visitors and buyers, serving as a hub that connects regional and international manufacturers, distributors, and businesses.