Wood-based products have become one of Vietnam’s main exports. On the occasion of Expo 2005, VIB Forum reporter interviewed Mr Pham Hoang Ha, Head of Ho Chi Minh City’s Trade Department.
Could you give a brief introduction of the Expo?
In 2005, wood-based products have become a main export item of Vietnam and the Expo has become an annual fair displaying Vietnamese wood-based products. The Expo is highly valued by the international fair organisation in terms of quality and size and registered among international trade fairs. The Expo started in 2003 with 230 pavilions of 125 enterprises. In 2004, it increased to 502 pavilions and 202 enterprises with 30,000 visitors and transactions worth over US$23 million, 6 times that of 2003. The export value in 2004 was US$1.1 billion. Expo 2005 will have over 650 pavilions drawing enterprises from all parts of Vietnam including 30 pavilions from foreign enterprises. The export value is expected at US$1.5 billion. In the first eight months, the export value was already US$900 million, a growth rate of 45 per cent.
Is there anything new at Expo 2005?
Expo 2005 will be arranged in categories of products considered to be high priority export items and of interest to potential markets. Expo 2005 will help businesses improve their strategy, management and competitiveness. For its part, the State will improve the legal framework to promote export. Information on Expo 2005 has been widely spread on the Internet and our website. Expo 2005 is also an opportunity to honour businesses for their contribution to the national economy and international integration.
How do you see the potential and prospect of wood-based product exports?
Vietnamese wood-based products have good markets in the EU, Japan, and the US. Vietnamese products are improving in quality, quantity, style and price. Vietnamese businesses are focusing on production cost, management, production line and advanced technology. With those efforts, the industry can maintain its comparative edge and export capacity.
How can your Department promote exports?
The Department is assisting HCMC Association in the building of Binh Chanh materials centre supplying timber and materials to related enterprises. It also helps in the improvement of business planning and businesss connections aiding many large contracts.
Could you introduce some of your plans for the future?
With the experiences gained from past expos, the Department will concentrate on specialised fairs giving high priority to trade promotion and true business fairs.
Xuan Dao
Vietnamese
