The second Viet Nam Furniture Matching Week began in HCM City’s Thu Duc City on April 13, and a series of online and offline activities has been lined up until April 20 to bring together Vietnamese manufacturers and foreign buyers.

Coming at a time when buyers around the world seek to place orders for their year-end sales, the event has attracted a lot of attention, especially from sourcing agencies and representative offices of major brands such as Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Lidl & Kaufland Asia, Target Corporation, HOME DEPOT, Williams Sonoma Vietnam LLC, OBI Group sourcing Hong Kong Limited in Viet Nam, TJX Viet Nam and Four Hands.

There were an on-site exhibition on April 13 and 14 with more than 30 large firms showcasing their wares.

Besides, more than 100 producers are showcasing their latest products and designs at the online exhibition at hopefairs.com with 360 degrees showrooms.

Compared to last year the HOPE platform has significantly improved in terms of technology and content and has added advanced connection tools to better meet participants’ B2B online matching needs.

Organised by the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (HAWA), the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency and the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, the event also includes a ‘Cafe Connection’ for businesses in specific segments such as indoor, outdoor, sofa, and kitchen cabinet to meet and online and offline seminars on raw materials, logistics trends, digital transformation, and others.

Products on display at the on-site exhibition as part of the 2022 Vietnam Furniture Matching Week, which began in HCM City on April 13, and a series of online and offline activities has been lined up until April 20. — VNS Photo

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai, praised the woodworking industry for increasing its exports by 19.7 per cent last year to US$14.81 billion despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also appreciating the initiative to organise online activities on the HOPE platform and all the events at the Viet Nam Furniture Matching Week, he said: “This is an important activity to maintain the image of Viet Nam’s wood industry in the world market and help businesses find customers when the pandemic is still affecting travel.”

HAWA Chairman Nguyen Quoc Khanh said this year’s event has attracted more than 450 wood and furniture businesses, much higher than that in the event last year.

“This is a positive signal showing recovery and dynamic activity of the wood industry.

“We believe the Viet Nam Furniture Matching Week 2022, besides being a trading opportunity for businesses, will also be an opportunity for us to meet good partners and trusted friends.”

Furniture Design competition

At the opening HAWA also launched the 2022 Hoa Mai Furniture Design Competition.

Vo Quoc Loi, a member of its executive board, said: “We always encourage participation by young designers who are passionate, ambitious and not afraid to challenge themselves.

“With the message of transforming ideas into practical and commercial products, Hoa Mai is ready for the new season and more youngsters from all over the world.”

Hoa Mai has over the years witnessed a considerable increase in the number of contestants, and, importantly, all their designs can be put into practice and have commercial applicability, he added. — VNS