The Ho Chi Minh City Handicraft and Woodworking Association (HAWA) has officially taken over the leadership of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC).
During the HawaExpo 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, a formal ceremony was held on March 4 to transfer the coordination of the AFIC. As the representative member for Vietnam, HAWA will assume the executive leadership role for the 2026–2028 term.
Established in 1987, AFIC is a regional non-profit organization comprising eight member associations from ASEAN nations with developed furniture industries (excluding Cambodia and Brunei). Over nearly 40 years, the council has evolved into a vital policy bridge between businesses and governments, enhancing trade efficiency and driving innovation throughout the regional sector.
Beyond supporting prestigious trade forums and international export fairs—such as HawaExpo, EFE, and PIFC—AFIC serves as a strategic partner to numerous international organizations. The council works alongside millions of furniture enterprises within the bloc to promote sustainable development through various multi-dimensional initiatives.
Succeeding Thailand, HAWA’s appointment comes at a time when Vietnam's wood and furniture industry continues to solidify its global standing. Vietnam currently ranks first in Southeast Asia, second in Asia, and fifth in the world in terms of export value. Despite geopolitical volatility and a decline in global consumer demand, Vietnam’s furniture exports reached a new record of over $17 billion in 2025.
“Our goal is to gradually transform Southeast Asia into a global supply chain hub for the wood and furniture industry with international-level capacity. We aim to comprehensively enhance connectivity regarding supply sources, data, and partnership opportunities for the entire bloc,” said Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, former Chairman of HAWA, who has been selected to serve as the new Chairman of AFIC.
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