The Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCMC (HAWA) is making training and education a priority in its drive to upgrade furniture production in Vietnam and to make the industry more competitive.
Last year HAWA moved into a former French villa, newly refurbished by the Vietnamese government, to create an impressive headquarters in the centre of Saigon (District 3).
Chairman of HAWA, Mr Nguyen Quoc Khanh, was recently reported by the Vietnam News Service as saying the association has been an effective bridge between the Government and businesses. “It has organised training courses, trade promotions and seminars to help members become more competitive and expand markets both at home and abroad. HAWA has attracted 47 new members in the last term, raising the total number to 369” he said. “In the upcoming term HAWA would strive to help businesses operate more efficiently. It would also enhance trade promotion and training to improve the competitiveness of its members and work to help them understand more about adding value to wood products through design, distribution and building brands” he concluded.
The American hardwood industry has contributed White Oak, Hard Maple and Tulipwood for the fit-out of the new library at HAWA’s new office. On 14thOctober the American Consul General Ms X in Ho Chi Minh City and Gerald H. Smith, Senior Agricultural Attaché, visited HAWA to meet with Chairman Khanh Noc Nguyen and other HAWA officials and viewed the newly furbished library.