"Theannual expo will serve as a bridge to connect businesses in thefurniture and handicrafts industry with international buyers," saidQuach To Dung, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Industryand Trade at a press briefing on Sept. 29.
She said businesses at the even would have an opportunity to market products for export in Vietnam, thus saving costs.
Around 200 companies have registered to set up 500 stalls.
Ondisplay will be indoor and outdoor furniture, interior decoration,materials and accessories as well as bamboo and rattan furniture andhandicrafts.
An online expo at the site www.hcmexpo.com.vn will help those who cannot attend the EXPO 2011.
There will be a seminar on increasing the volume of outdoor furniture and bamboo and rattan handicrafts to the Japanese market.
Accordingto Bui Thi Thanh An, who represents the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency,furniture is a major export of Vietnam, which achieved a turnover of3.4 billion USD last year, up from a modest 219 million USD in 2000.
TheUS and Europe were two major markets, accounting for 44 percent and 29percent, respectively, of the total turnover. Currently, India and theMiddle East are growing markets.
In the year's first eightmonths, exports posted a total value of 2.4 billion USD, compared to 4billion USD target set for 2011.
Dang Quoc Hung, vice chairman ofthe Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (HAWA), saidecomomies in the US and Western Europe remained in a difficultsituation, which would be difficult for Vietnam's furniture exportsector.
Meanwhile, the price for wooden imports has increased between 10 and 30 percent.
Producershave to import 80 percent of their total wood materials. Petroleum,electricity, water and labour are also more expensive.
The event is being organised by the Department of Industry and Trade as part of the National Trade Promotion Programme.
Itwill take place at the Tan Binh Exhibition and Convention Centre, 446Hoang Van Thu, Tan Binh District and run until Saturday./.