The expo, VIFA EXPO 2014, will feature 630 booths representing 129 local and international enterprises from 11 countries and territories, including Singapore, Malaysia, China, France, Canada, Italy, Japan and South Korea.—File Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The seventh Viet Nam International Furniture and Fine Arts Exports Fair 2014 will be held at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7 from March 11 to 14.

The expo, VIFA EXPO 2014, will feature 630 booths representing 129 local and international enterprises from 11 countries and territories, including Singapore, Malaysia, China, France, Canada, Italy, Japan and South Korea.

Despite tough economic times, the number of participating companies proves there is strong demand for new customers among firms involved in the industry, according to the organisers.

With many advertising campaigns launched within and outside the country, the fair hopes to attract many new potential customers.

In addition, as part of the ASEAN Furniture Show Circuit organised by the ASEAN Furniture Industry Council, the expo will benefit from the council's advertising campaigns directed at importers in the US, Japan, and Europe.

The organisers have received more than 900 registrations from furniture importers in 70 countries and territories. Most of these will seek new partners and suppliers at the fair.

Co-organised by the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (Hawa) and Hawa Corporation, the fair also includes two seminars, one on the latest safety regulations and standards to wood products exports to the US, and the other on the domestic furniture design industry.

Last year, Viet Nam earned US$5.56 billion from exports of wood and wood products, up 19.2 per cent over the previous year, according to Hawa, adding that exports to key markets such as the US, China and Japan rose strongly in the period. — VNS