Welcoming the world

VIFA ASEAN attracted a strong contingent of UK buyers

VIFA ASEAN (Vietnam ASEAN International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair) attracted 9,438 visitors from 29 August to 1 September.

Visitors came from 63 countries to see the 198 exhibitors – 102 of which were non-Vietnamese. Of these, 3,779 were from overseas, with UK buyers making up the ninth largest grouping after China, Japan, US, Taiwan, Korea, India, continental Europe and Hong Kong.

Some 55% of visitors reported their main interest as furniture, followed by 16% home decor and 8% furnishings and handicrafts.

Almost a quarter (23%) said they intended to place orders, with 25% looking to extend their network of suppliers and 24% looking for new products.

27% of visitors were first-time visitors.

As well as organising factory visits, the show hosted a series of seminars, with topics including the ecommerce platform Alibaba; the use of coconut, and the impact of net-zero.

Visit: www.vifaasean.com