More than 1,000 visitors from 72 countries register to attend HawaExpo 2025

The Ho Chi Minh City Export Furniture Fair (HawaExpo 2025) was organized by the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (Viforest), the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (Hawa), the Binh Duong Furniture Association (Bifa), the Dong Nai Wood and Handicraft Association (Dowa), and the Binh Dinh Timber and Forest Products Association (FPA Binh Dinh). The event will take place from March 5 to 7.

According to Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the city plays a key role in boosting Vietnam's wood exports. Notably, more than 40% of the wood industry's export volume passes through the port system in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2024, the city experienced a sharp increase in revenue from wood export activities, totaling approximately 1 billion USD.

Consequently, HawaExpo 2025 contributes significantly to the economic growth of Ho Chi Minh City. The event will also play a significant role in the expansion and development of Vietnam’s wood industry in 2025 and beyond.

According to Phung Quoc Man, Chairman of HAWA and representative of the Organizing Committee, the fair had attracted registrations from more than 1,000 visitors from 72 countries worldwide before its opening.

This year’s fair features carefully selected exhibitors, with more than 80% operating internationally certified factories in Vietnam. These companies have demonstrated adaptability to diverse market preferences and a long-term commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly strategies through supply chain certification and operational restructuring.

"The ability to effectively regulate quality boosts partner confidence in collaboration and indirectly improving the standards of Vietnamese companies," the Chairman of HAWA remarked. He noted that the event's 350 booths showcase a wide range of products, including indoor and outdoor furniture for living spaces, tourism, entertainment, and hospitality, as well as Vietnamese handicrafts, souvenirs, gifts, and supporting materials for the industry—all introduced to international buyers.

Notably, HawaExpo 2025 features a dedicated space to display over 100 exquisite handicraft items that unite heritage and modern design trends. The area also hosts the Design Talk and the launch of the Hoa Mai Design Award 2025, a creative competition for young designers aimed at fostering innovative furniture concepts and diversifying the "Made in Vietnam" product ecosystem.

Additionally, the event includes a series of forums, specialized seminars, and panel discussions throughout its length, providing a platform for industry players to assess market demands, stay updated on new technologies, and promote sustainable development in a globalized context.

Nguyen Ba Phu, General Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that Vietnam's wood processing industry has made remarkable progress in recent years. Particularly, the export value of wood and wood products reached over 16 billion USD in 2024, marking an increase of 20.9% compared to the previous year.

"This is a significant milestone, placing Vietnam among the world's leading wood-exporting nations," Nguyen Ba Phu stated. He added that, as a result of this strong growth, the revenue from wood and wood product exports reached 1.42 billion USD in January 2025 alone, reinforcing Vietnam’s position as a key hub for global wood manufacturers and exporters.

General Director Nguyen Ba Phu commended the continuous efforts of various associations within Vietnam’s wood industry, which have actively served as an endless source of support for the business community. Over the years, they have organized various trade promotion initiatives, including exhibitions and international business-matching events, thereby effectively meeting the industry's networking and expansion needs.

General Director Phu also highlighted that HawaExpo 2025 joins high-quality export products under the "Made in Vietnam" brand, presenting international partners and buyers with a diverse range of options, from furniture and home decor to uniquely designed handicrafts.

As an annual event, HawaExpo 2024 was hosted with the theme "Navigating the World of Possibilities."  The event aimed to guide businesses in utilizing the diversity of Vietnam's wood and handicraft industry.

The fair featured more than 2,500 booths from over 500 exhibitors, with over 80% representing manufacturers and exporters of wood and handicrafts from Vietnam and countries such as China, Malaysia, Taiwan, France, and Spain.