Việt Nam has officially assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council for the 2026–28 term, following a handover from Thailand on March 4 at HawaExpo 2026 in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of HAWA

HCM CITY — Việt Nam took over the chairmanship of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council for a two-year term from Thailand at the Ho Chi Minh Export Furniture Fair (HawaExpo) in HCM City on March 4.

The Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (HAWA), AFIC’s Vietnamese member, will lead the council during the new term, with its representative and former president, Nguyễn Quốc Khanh, becoming chairman.

The transition comes as Việt Nam continues to consolidate its position as Southeast Asia’s largest exporter of wood and furniture and second largest in Asia.

Its exports last year exceeded US$17 billion despite global economic headwinds.

Established in 1987, AFIC is a non-profit organization, uniting furniture industry associations in eight ASEAN member countries with developed manufacturing sectors (with the exception of Cambodia and Brunei).

It has evolved into a key policy bridge between businesses and governments, enhancing trade efficiency and fostering innovation across the region.

Beyond supporting dialogue platforms and cross-border collaboration, AFIC has also played an active role in initiating reputable international export fairs such as HawaExpo, EFE and PIFC, key trade gateways that have strengthened the region’s global market access.

Today the council also serves as a strategic partner to numerous international organisations, working alongside millions of furniture enterprises across Southeast Asia to promote sustainable development through a wide range of multidimensional initiatives.

AFIC’s governance operates on a two-year rotational chairmanship.

Nguyễn Minh Quế, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Foreign Affairs, said AFIC had brought together around 2,450 member enterprises across eight countries.

During the last term, under Thailand’s chairmanship, AFIC advanced several key priorities, including digital transformation, sustainability, innovation and the bio-circular-green economy, thereby enhancing the international competitiveness of ASEAN’s furniture industry, he said.

“HAWA formally assuming the AFIC chairmanship marks a significant milestone for Việt Nam’s furniture industry. In its new role, HAWA is expected to build on the established orientations, further promote cooperative initiatives, expand opportunities for the regional handicraft business community and strengthen linkages within the ASEAN Economic Community.”

Nguyễn Quốc Khanh, the new chairman of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council -- for 2026–28 -- speaks after taking over in HCM City on March 4. — VNS Photo

Khanh said taking over as chief is both an honour and a responsibility and outlined key priorities during his term.

“We aim to reinforce ASEAN as an integrated supply chain hub for the global furniture industry. By leveraging each member’s strengths, we can build a more integrated ecosystem and position ASEAN as a reliable and competitive supply base for the world.”

He stressed that sustainability would remain central.

“In the coming years sustainability will no longer be optional but a fundamental requirement in international trade. Supporting members to grow on a sustainable foundation will be one of our core priorities.”

He also highlighted investment in next-generation talent, design, innovation and technology to enhance product value and global competitiveness, alongside deeper connectivity across the industry ecosystem – from manufacturers and suppliers to designers and service providers.

Khanh noted that ASEAN’s market of more than 670 million people, supported by a rapidly expanding middle class, represents not only a manufacturing base but also a dynamic consumer market.

“As we step into the role of AFIC chairman for the 2026–27 term, HAWA is committed to working closely with all AFIC members to strengthen regional connectivity, support the continued growth of Việt Nam’s furniture industry and contribute to elevating ASEAN’s position in the global furniture landscape.”

Alongside the handover, the 44th AFIC annual meeting was also held at HawaExpo 2026.

A highlight was the “Asia Rising – Design Leading” forum, which underscored Southeast Asia’s growing influence in global interior design and its shift from a manufacturing base to a creative powerhouse. — VNS