Nguyen Quoc Khanh, former chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), was appointed chairman of AFIC. The event also marked HAWA, which represents Vietnam within the council, taking on the coordinating role for the 2026–2028 term.

The transition comes as Vietnam’s wood and furniture industry continues to hold a leading position in the region. The country has ranked first in Southeast Asia, second in Asia and fifth globally in furniture export value for several years.

In 2025 alone, despite geopolitical uncertainties and weakening global consumer demand, Vietnam’s wood industry recorded a new export milestone, surpassing US$17 billion. Strong national production capacity, extensive international partnerships and a broad business ecosystem are seen as key advantages for Vietnam as it leads the council over the next two years.

At the ceremony, Khanh outlined a vision to gradually position Southeast Asia as a globally competitive supply hub for the wood and furniture industry. The plan focuses on strengthening regional connectivity in supply chains, data sharing and opportunities for international partnerships.

AFIC will also seek to deepen cooperation among member associations while expanding links with suppliers of raw materials, logistics providers, financial institutions and certification systems.

“The goal is not only to increase export value but also to integrate the entire value chain, from raw materials to international trade. Sustainable development will remain a central pillar,” Khanh said.

A new initiative named “Green AFIC” is expected to be launched to harmonise sustainability standards, promote mutual recognition of certifications and build transparent data-sharing mechanisms among member associations.

Outgoing AFIC chairman Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan of Thailand said that during the 2024–2025 term, the council implemented five strategic pillars: digital transformation, design and collaboration, sustainable development based on the bio-circular-green (BCG) model, leadership succession and global engagement.

As global furniture orders increasingly shift away from China, several ASEAN countries have seen positive export growth in markets such as the United States and Europe.

However, Kasetrsuwan noted that these opportunities will only be sustainable if ASEAN countries strengthen cooperation rather than compete individually. He expressed confidence in Vietnam’s coordinating role, saying that strong intra-regional collaboration could help ASEAN emerge as a major global furniture manufacturing hub.

HawaExpo 2026 is getting underway at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) from March 4 to March 7, featuring more than 2,500 exhibition booths.

Established in 1987, AFIC is a regional non-profit organisation bringing together eight industry associations from ASEAN countries with developed furniture manufacturing sectors. Over nearly four decades, the council has gradually shaped its role as a policy bridge between businesses and governments, helping improve trade efficiency and foster innovation across the region’s furniture industry.

In addition to supporting major international trade fairs, AFIC is also a strategic partner of several international organisations, working with millions of furniture businesses across the region to promote sustainable industry development.

Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair attracts 650 exhibitors

The Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair – VIFA Expo 2026 – will take place from March 8 to 11 at two venues in Ho Chi Minh City: SKY EXPO (Quang Trung Software City, Trung My Tay ward) and WTC EXPO (Binh Duong ward).