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Producing wood products for export in Phu Tai Industrial Zone. Photo V.L |
A press conference to introduce the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2009 was held in Quy Nhon. It will be an opportunity for wood processing enterprises in Binh Dinh to promote their products. Binh Dinh Newspaper’s reporter Viet Hien spoke with Mr. Kelvin Ho, representative of Singapore wood products exhibition organisation company.
* Could you briefly introduce about the fair?
The International Furniture Fair Singapore was set up in 1981. This is one of annual fairs in the South East Asia. Locating in a strategic position in Asia, Singapore has attracted a great concern from businesses worldwide. It also creates prospects for businesses to introduce their products at the fair.
After 25 years, the International Furniture Fair Singapore has become a “reliable address” bringing success for businesses worldwide, including Vietnamese enterprises. In the 2008’s fair held recently, many contracts were signed with the capital of US$2.45 billion.
Singapore Furniture Industries Council cooperated with Vietnam Chamber of Commercial and Industry and HCM City-based Trade and Service Company to hold many press conferences to introduce the fair to enterprises.
* Why did your company choose Binh Dinh to introduce the fair?
Perhaps, we all know that wood products and handicrafts are Vietnam’s key export products. The 2007’s export turnover of export wood product processing industry accounted for $2.7 billion, becoming the fifth key export product of Vietnam (the other products are crude oil, textile, footwear, and sea products).
Binh Dinh is one of three top export wood product processing centers in Vietnam. Its export turnover reached $170 million in 2007.
Binh Dinh’s enterprises have exported their products to 55 countries and territories, including France, German, Spain, Canada, Belgium, and Denmark. This proved Binh Dinh has great potential. We, therefore, decided to choose Quy Nhon to connect enterprises in Binh Dinh with foreign investors.
* What are advantages and disadvantages of Vietnamese enterprises at the fair?
The quality of Vietnam’s wood products is quite good. But they have had no considerable improvement; meanwhile, the demand is changing. Also, their display was not impressive and attractive. Binh Dinh’s enterprises need to participate in many fairs to update the information about markets, taste, and price.
* Could you talk more about the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2009?
It plans to be held at Singapore Expo from March 9 to 12, 2009. About 500 enterprises from 33 countries will participate in the fair. The fair will exhibit indoor and outdoor furniture of all kinds, including tables, chairs, wardrobes, curtains, and others.
It is expected to attract over 18,000 customers coming from 130 countries in the world. This is an opportunity for enterprises in Vietnam, particularly in Binh Dinh, to introduce their products to international markets.
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