In a strategic move aimed at fostering growth and innovation within the furniture and woodworking industry, the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), Vietnam, and Koelnmesse GmbH have officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This pivotal agreement, penned by HAWA Chairman Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh and Mr. Denis Steker, Koelnmesse’s Senior Vice President International, on 6 March 2024 during the Vietnam Furniture Industry Forum at HawaExpo, marks the beginning of a promising dialogue on potential collaborative ventures.
The MoU is a testament to the mutual interest of both HAWA and Koelnmesse in pursuing opportunities for collaboration that could range from Koelnmesse’s support of HAWA’s trade fairs in Vietnam to the participation of HAWA members in Koelnmesse’s renowned events worldwide. The strategic alignment of activities and knowledge exchange between the two entities are also among the key areas targeted for cooperation.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh expressed his enthusiasm about the agreement, stating, “We are very pleased to sign this MoU with Koelnmesse. This partnership paves the way for numerous opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit, not just for our two organizations but for the entire industry. We are eager to collaborate closely with Koelnmesse on initiatives that will strengthen the competitiveness and innovation of the furniture and woodworking sector both in Vietnam and internationally.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Denis Steker highlighted the importance of the partnership, “We are honoured to partner with HAWA and are keen on exploring further opportunities for mutual growth. This strategic partnership marks an important expansion of our global network of exhibition platforms, enhancing our portfolio which includes key events like imm cologne, interzum cologne, as well as interzum guangzhou and interzum bogota.”
This formal agreement to explore future cooperation underscores HAWA and Koelnmesse’s commitment to nurturing a constructive partnership that promises to yield benefits for their stakeholders and the wider industry. With an optimistic outlook on the forthcoming discussions, both organizations anticipate the fruitful collaboration that lies ahead.
