The program was attended by Mr. Nguyen Van Dien, Deputy Director General of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, President of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC); Mr. Phung Quoc Man, Chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA); Mr. Tran Lam Dong, Deputy Director of the Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences; together with representatives of furniture associations from ASEAN member countries, experts, businesses, and relevant organizations.
Delivering the opening remarks, Mr. Phung Quoc Man, Chairman of HAWA, emphasized that sustainable development is no longer an individual choice for each enterprise, but has become a shared requirement for the entire industry. In the current context, wood and furniture enterprises need to take a more proactive approach to controlling raw material sources, meeting market standards, strengthening cooperation across the supply chain, and jointly building the image of a transparent, responsible, and competitive ASEAN furniture industry.
At the seminar, thematic presentations provided in-depth and practical perspectives on forestry policies, sustainable forest management, legal timber sources, and responsible supply chains. In particular, the presentation on Vietnam’s forestry policies highlighted the direction for developing legal, stable, and sustainable raw material sources, thereby creating a foundation for enterprises to enhance their ability to meet the standards of export markets.
In addition, the topic “Sustainability from Design: From Forest to Finished Product” emphasized a sustainable development approach throughout the entire product life cycle. From material selection, design, and production to distribution, every link in the value chain needs to be managed in a way that conserves resources, reduces environmental impacts, and increases the value of ASEAN wood and furniture products.
Another key topic discussed at the seminar was traceability and new requirements from international markets. As major markets continue to tighten regulations related to deforestation prevention, legal origin, and accountability, traceability capacity is not only a compliance requirement but also an important factor that helps enterprises enhance their credibility and create competitive advantages. Building a transparent data system and connecting information among forest owners, suppliers, manufacturers, and international buyers is considered a necessary step for the ASEAN wood and furniture industry to expand its markets in a sustainable direction.
The discussion session created an open platform for delegates to exchange experiences in developing sustainable supply chains across ASEAN countries, as well as to explore opportunities for regional cooperation in the coming period. Participants agreed that, in order to strengthen the position of the ASEAN furniture industry in the international market, countries in the region need to enhance coordination in information sharing, harmonize standards, connect businesses, and promote joint initiatives on sustainable sourcing.
The success of the seminar once again affirmed AFIC’s role in connecting and promoting intra-regional cooperation, while also demonstrating the proactive role of Vietnam and HAWA in regional initiatives related to forestry, wood processing, and sustainable development. The program not only contributed to raising awareness of new market requirements, but also opened up opportunities for associations, organizations, and enterprises to work together in building a more transparent, legal, and responsible ASEAN wood and furniture value chain.
