HO CHI MINH CITY: Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City’s wood processing industry has set a target of reaching US$15bil in export revenue by 2035, with 80% of products meeting green and sustainable standards.
According to the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (Hawa), it held its first congress for the 2025 to 2028 term on Dec 18, and marked its merger with the Binh Duong Furniture Association (Bifa) to form an industry association representing nearly 1,000 member enterprises.
The congress elected a 39-member executive committee and a four-member inspection committee. Phung Quoc Man, general director of A&M Flooring Co, Ltd, was appointed chairman.
Man said the merger was a crucial step in line with party and government policies on administrative unit merger, aimed at maximising resources and leveraging local strengths to create fresh momentum for the wood industry.
“HCM City serves as a hub for finance, commerce, services, creative design and trade promotion, and Binh Duong is a major centre for industrial production and processing with modern industrial parks and a skilled workforce, while Ba Ria-Vung Tau offers strong advantages in seaports and logistics,” he said.
“Their integration helps complete international supply chains and generates significant internal strength for the sector,” said Man.
Sharing the same view, Nguyen Liem, chairman of Bifa, said the merger connected three localities with complementary advantages, unlocking substantial combined resources and opening up new development opportunities.
Nguyen Chanh Phuong, permanent vice-chairman of Hawa added that the industry’s scale would expand significantly.
“Vietnam is already a global furniture manufacturing hub. With the merger of HCM City, Binh Duong and Vung Tau, a new national centre will take shape, positioning the region as a key destination for the global furniture industry, accounting for nearly 50% of the country’s total export value.” — Viet Nam News/ANN
