FII Vietnam opens new office in centre of the country’s furniture manufacturing sector

By: Zoish Bengali

Director, FII

Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) Vietnam recently opened a new office in Binh Duong—the centre of the country’s manufacturing sector. The new office—featuring B.C. species in a variety of furniture and interior applications—is being used to showcase the beauty and versatility of B.C. wood products in interior design.

The space is fitted out with a range of B.C. species, including western hemlock within furniture, cabinetry and panelling applications, spruce-pine-fir office partitions, western red cedar wall panelling and a reception desk made from a variety of B.C. wood. Demonstrating the benefits of using B.C. wood in applications commonly manufactured in Vietnam, the space will be used to host meetings with local stakeholders. Having a formal in-market presence will allow the FII team in Vietnam to build further inroads with local manufacturers and suppliers, and to position B.C. wood species as a preferable alternative to traditionally used products.

FII decided to have a presence in Vietnam after several years of due diligence involving market research and exploratory missions with industry and government support. Now, with significant shifts in global trade dynamics and Vietnam’s expanding wooden manufacturing segment, Vietnam presents significant opportunity for B.C. wood species. Market development efforts have been underway, with a small local team focussed on introducing Canadian softwood species through product trials and promotional efforts. To learn more about the work being done to promote Canadian wood in Vietnam, visit www.canadianwood.com.vn

Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, Ravi Kahlon, announced the opening of the new office in April, noting, “by moving away from over-reliance on a single market, we can grow revenue for sustainable B.C. businesses and jobs and protect British Columbians from global disruptions.” Based on its political stability, openness to foreign investment, low trade barriers and increasing emphasis on procuring wood from sustainable sources, Vietnam’s furniture sector is projected to be of growing importance to B.C.’s forest industry.