The 12^th Viet Nam International Woodworking Industry Fair opened in HCM City on Wednesday, with over 350 firms from 28 countries and regions taking part.

Seven international pavilions at the exhibition set up by the US, France, China, Germany, Sweden, Taiwan, and Canada are showcasing many woodworking machines and components used in the wood and furniture processing sector.

Besides, many suppliers of high-performance woodworking machinery and equipment from Europe, America, Oceania and Asia have gathered under one roof to constitute a one-stop business trading platform for industry players seeking to upgrade operations.

Two seminars on the woodworking sector will be held on the sidelines of the expo to provide an insight into the industry and offer professional opinions and solutions.

Organised by the Viet Nam National Trade Fair & Advertising Company (Vinexad) and Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co, the exhibition, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, will go on until October 21.

Viet Nam earned over US$5.5 billion from export of wood and wood-based products in the first nine months of this year, up 11 per cent year-on-year, with the US, Japan, China, and the EU being key markets, according to the Viet Nam Timber and Forest Products Association.

Full-year exports are expected to top $8 billion, Ngo Sy Hoai, the association’s deputy chairman, said.

Technology plays a crucial role in the woodworking industry, he said, adding that Vietnamese firms need to invest more in modern technologies to reduce cost and improve their productivity and quality. — VNS