With the pandemic reportedly largely under control in the Far East, the Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair (VIFA EXPO), the country’s biggest trade event for export-facing furniture and wooden product, is back in Ho Chi Minh City from 31st August to 3rd September 2022 …
Having enjoyed outstanding growth in recent years, Vietnam is now the world’s second-largest furniture exporter, doing business with more than 120 countries – the principal markets being the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan. With free trade agreements with the EU, ASEAN, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Peru, which helps reduce tariffs on furniture imports – it is little wonder Vietnam is focused on becoming ‘the furniture factory for the world’.
In 2021, Vietnam’s furniture export turnover reached US$14.8b (up +19,7% YoY). In March, Vietnam’s PM approved the ‘Project on sustainable, efficient development of the wood processing industry in 2021-2030 period’, which aims to bolster Vietnam’s wood processing sector, build a reputable brand for Vietnamese wood products at home and abroad, and turn Vietnam into one of the world’s leading wood producers – export turnover of timber and forest products is projected to reach US$20b by 2025, and US$25b by 2030.
In this context, VIFA EXPO 2022 welcomes international buyers back to Vietnam. This edition’s slogan is ‘Discover the fascination of Vietnamese Furniture & Handicraft’ – exhibitors will showcase brand-new and diverse product, from wooden furniture to indoor and outdoor furniture, home decor, handicraft, gifts and souvenirs, hardware and fittings, timber and woodworking machinery.
Buyers will meet in person to discuss and start business partnerships with leading Vietnamese and international furniture manufacturers. The exhibitors will also be ready to take buyers to their factories in Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Long An Provinces (one-to-three hours’ travel from the show).
VIFA EXPO 2022 will take place at Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC) across more than 15,000 sqm, bringing together more than 170 Vietnamese and international enterprises on more than 1000 stands. There will be talks, workshops and seminars – including a seminar hosted by Canadian Wood Vietnam and HAWA Corp, entitled Canadian Wood – Exceptional Design Flexibility, taking place on 1st September. Alongside the physical exhibition, the organiser will set up business matching sessions to help international buyers who cannot visit in person.
Vietnam has fully reopened its borders, so there is no requirement for quarantine, a medical declaration or Covid-19 test for vaccinated entrants. VISA exemption has been resumed for UK citizens. However, upon arrival, visitors will need to present proof of valid medical/travel insurance covering Covid-19 treatment (with a minimum liability of US$10,000).
Register to visit (free of charge) here.
Next year, two editions of VIFA EXPO will be held – in March (8-11th) and August.
