On May 21, 2025, the Vietnam Trade Office in India coordinated with relevant organizations to host an online seminar titled “Vietnam–India Cooperation in the Furniture and Interior Industry”, aiming to strengthen business connections, promote trade, and foster investment between enterprises of the two countries.
The event gathered nearly 100 Vietnamese and Indian enterprises, along with industry associations and trade promotion centers specializing in furniture and interior design. It provided an excellent opportunity for businesses to seek partnerships, expand cooperation, and enhance bilateral trade.
Vietnam’s Strengths in Wood and Furniture Production
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In his opening remarks, Mr. Bui Trung Thuong, Commercial Counselor at the Embassy of Vietnam in India, emphasized that amid challenges in traditional export markets, the furniture and interior design sector presents new opportunities for strategic collaboration between Vietnam and India.
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing furniture markets, valued at over USD 40 billion in 2025 and expected to maintain double-digit growth until 2030. Meanwhile, Vietnam ranks second globally in wood furniture exports, known for its strong production capacity, advanced processing technology, and skilled workforce.
Connecting Vietnam’s manufacturing strengths with India’s large and dynamic market will create tangible benefits for both sides. Vietnamese firms can expand their export share, while Indian companies gain access to high-quality, competitively priced supplies. There is also significant potential in joint ventures, technology exchange, and sustainable material development such as recycled wood, bamboo, and eco-friendly furniture.
India’s Market Potential and Business Perspectives
From the Indian side, Mr. Rajesh Bhagat, Chairman and Managing Director of Worldex India, highlighted the immense growth potential of the Indian furniture market, driven by rapid infrastructure, real estate, and urbanization development. He encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to not only export but also explore long-term cooperation models, including joint ventures, technology transfer, and co-development initiatives.
Overcoming Barriers and Strengthening Cooperation
Mr. Ngo Sy Hoai, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFOREST), discussed both opportunities and challenges in current furniture trade between the two nations.
He noted that both countries share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and benefit from the ASEAN–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on goods, services, and investment. Vietnamese furniture products also align well with Indian consumer preferences.
However, key challenges include technical standards, BIS certification requirements (Indian Standards Bureau), tariffs, logistics costs, and competition from China and ASEAN countries.
To address these, he proposed that relevant associations in both countries sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate trade and cooperation, hold regular meetings for information exchange, accelerate BIS certification, and actively participate in major furniture and woodworking exhibitions in both markets.
Toward a New Chapter of Vietnam–India Furniture Cooperation
Enterprises from both countries also engaged in discussions on distribution, investment, technology transfer, and joint production, signaling strong optimism for future collaboration.
The seminar concluded with a shared vision: the furniture and interior sector will become a key highlight in Vietnam–India economic relations, supported by both governments and business communities.