1:56:37 PM | 2/2/2026
As the wood industry has faced strict technical barriers from international markets, the spirit of self-reliance has become the guideline for survival and growth. Our reporter had an interview with Dang Quoc Hung - General Director of Alliance Handicraft &Wooden Fine Art Corporation (Hawa Corporation) - about the mission of the Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair (VIFA EXPO) 2026. This is not only the largest wood industry trade fair in Vietnam with a record scale, but also a solid platform to help the Vietnamese business community reach new heights.
“With many years of experience organizing international fairs, what new features do you see at VIFA EXPO 2026, set to be the largest event ever held in Vietnam, that will meet the increasingly strict requirements of today’s market?”
To be worthy of its position as the largest fair in Vietnam and of regional stature, VIFA EXPO 2026 goes beyond a purely commercial event and carries a mission of community development.
The core difference lies in the spirit of sharing through practical actions: disaster support with full waiver of participation fees for enterprises facing difficulties caused by floods, giving them an opportunity to restore production; nurturing start-ups through special policies to create new momentum for the industry; and regional linkage with a commitment to support each province and city with 04 free booths, helping small and medium enterprises join an international fair and directly connect with foreign buyers.
The fair also acts as a strategic advisor, guiding enterprises to focus on three pillars: Green Products, Utility Products and Market-Fit Products, as consumers in different regions have different habits and usage customs.
Every VIFA EXPO attracts over 21,000 visitors from 87 countries, helping bring Vietnamese products to all five continents
How do you assess the role of the fair in helping domestic enterprises affirm their position under competitive pressure from FDI enterprises?
At this time, the FDI sector accounts for 70% of the total export turnover of the industry – a figure that calls for serious reflection.
At VIFA EXPO 2026, we place Vietnamese enterprises within the broader international flow. This is an opportunity for domestic enterprises to directly learn how FDI corporations optimize supply chains and control quality. I always keep in mind: “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far and steadily, we must have a community that knows how to rely on each other.” When internal strength is enriched with market knowledge, confidence will foster creativity and create products with their own identity.
Despite challenges related to the venue, what has helped VIFA EXPO maintain its attraction and its record scale of thousands of booths?
The location can change, but brand value and connection efficiency are what we always preserve. The figure of 2,500 booths is proof of business trust. We ensure the effectiveness of the fair, the quality of participants and products, and the ability of buyers to find new products from enterprises at the fair. Our goal is: “Turning the fair into a global showroom.”
Could you clarify the critical directions you are advising Vietnamese enterprises at this time?
We orient three main paths: Green Products that meet EUDR, FSC and PEFC standards as the entry ticket to high-end markets; Utility Products with smart, multifunctional and easy-to-assemble designs (RTA) to optimize logistics costs and ease of use; and Products following consumer taste by refining sophisticated handicraft techniques in line with contemporary aesthetics, selling what the world desires with the soul of Vietnamese artisans while integrating the consumption habits of different countries.
The consistent policy of the Party and the Government is to build an independent and self-reliant economy. What contribution does VIFA EXPO 2026 make to this goal and what is your expectation for upcoming trade results?
I hope each handshake will open long-term contracts of 3-5 years. With the foundation that every VIFA EXPO attracts more than 21,000 visitors from 87 countries, we are working to bring Vietnamese products to all five continents. In particular, for self-reliance, the wood industry cannot overlook the domestic market of more than 100 million people. VIFA EXPO is the “launching platform” for Vietnamese enterprises to master technology and design, gain the trust of domestic and international consumers with high-quality products, and build a self-reliant, closed value chain.
VIFA EXPO is an opportunity for domestic enterprises to learn supply-chain optimization and quality control from FDI corporations
On the occasion of the New Year, do you have any message for the business community?
The image of the Horse in the new lunar year symbolizes endurance and determination. My message is: “Unity creates strength – Self-reliance to reach far.” Even if the market remains difficult, when we rely on each other, we will build a new position. Let VIFA EXPO 2026 be the place to gather strength and grow together on the path of integration. Wishing all enterprises a New Year of Success!
Thank you very much!
By Anh Dao, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
