- Ho Chi Minh City targets becoming Southeast Asia’s leading wood export hub.
- Experts highlight digital transformation, branding, and green transition for growth.
- Plans include low-emission factories, eco clusters, and stronger Vietnam-made brands.
Industry experts indicated that with an increase in green practices, branding, and innovation, Ho Chi Minh City is set to emerge as a leading force in wood and furniture production and exports in Southeast Asia. Phung Quoc Man, Chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), stated that the Vietnamese wood industry has expanded significantly, rising from exports of under 200 million USD in 1999 to a projected 20 billion USD by 2025.
Vietnam currently holds the position of the world's second-largest exporter of wooden furniture for interior decoration, following China, exporting goods to 166 markets and having an almost fully established supply chain. After the administrative merger, Ho Chi Minh City now accounts for nearly half of the country's wood-product export value, surpassing Binh Duong, the previous manufacturing hub.
The city’s interconnected ecosystem, encompassing manufacturing, processing, logistics, and seaports, establishes a strong foundation for regional hub status, Man stated. Recognizing this potential, he encouraged local officials to implement policies that position Ho Chi Minh City as a worldwide center for furniture manufacturing and export.
Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, stated that Vietnamese companies can no longer rely exclusively on contract manufacturing; instead, they should integrate into global supply chains and create “Made by Vietnam” products rather than “Made in Vietnam” items.
Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Chairman of AA Corporation, stated that Ho Chi Minh City needs to develop its own local interior-design brands. “Vietnam occupies a strong position in the contract manufacturing sector, yet its brands still convey low-cost perceptions and trail behind China in competitiveness.” "With almost 70% of wood-exporting companies located here, HCM City is set to develop powerful brands," he stated.
Also Read: China to Unveil AI Integration Plans for Manufacturing
Le Duc Nghia, Chairman of An Cuong Wood Company, identified digital transformation, green transition, and supply chain transparency as major challenges. Approximately 30-40% of timber continues to originate from high-risk sources, and numerous small to medium enterprises do not have the financial resources for eco-improvements. He suggested that the Government create a national database for the wood industry.
Nguyen Liem, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association, proposed a support center for green transition and digital transformation that would provide consulting and connect with experts. He further promoted a “low-emission wood factory” project aimed at monitoring and reducing CO₂ emissions, enhancing low-carbon certification, and establishing a green wood cluster that shares dust, wastewater, solar, and logistics infrastructure, enabling smaller businesses to transition to greener practices economically.