On March 19, 2024, the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) was honored to participate in a roundtable discussion at the 53rd CIFF – China International Furniture Fair in Guangzhou, China. Held at the prestigious Canton Fair Complex, CIFF is recognized as the world’s largest home furnishing fair, showcasing an extensive range of the industry’s offerings. Spanning over 850,000 sqm with 91 exhibition halls, this year’s event attracted a record-breaking participation from over 4,700 brands.
The highlight of our participation was the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the China-ASEAN Collaboration Conference. We were warmly welcomed by Ms. Crystal Deng, Vice President of CIFF Speaker, who delivered the opening speech. The conference was enriched by insightful sessions, including a keynote on the Data Analysis of the World Furniture Market by Ms. Giulia, Partner and Senior Researcher from CSIL.
The roundtable discussion explored potential areas for collaboration between China and ASEAN, focusing on supply chain integration, market expansion, technology and innovation sharing, skills development and training, sustainable practices, environmental protection, trade facilitation, regulatory cooperation, investment, and joint ventures.
We were privileged to share this platform with esteemed participants, including:
– Ms. Luqi Hermawanti, Chief of Marketing and Promotion for the Middle East Region of HIMKI, Indonesia
– Ms. Dương Thị Minh Tuệ, Vice Chairman of HAWA, Vietnam
– Ms. Ornvara Kasetrsuwan, Assistant Secretary General of AFIC, representing the Thai Furniture Industry Club (TFIC), Thailand
– Ms. Dhanaporn Kasetrsuwan, Assistant Secretary General of ASEAN Furniture Industry Council (AFIC)
– Mr. Jirawat Tangkijngamwong, President of Thai Furniture Association (TFA), Thailand
– Mr. Dedy Rochimat, President of ASMINDO, Indonesia
– Ms. Evelyn P. Vedasto, President of the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines Inc., Philippines
– Mr. Goh Song Huang, Secretary General of the Malaysian Furniture Council, Malaysia
– Ms. Shermaine Ong, Group Executive Director of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, Singapore
This event marks a significant step towards fostering greater collaboration and understanding between China and ASEAN in the furniture industry.