Dong Nai Wood and Handicraft Association elects new chairman

On April 12, the Dong Nai Wood and Handicraft Association (DOWA) held its 7th congress for the 2026–2030 term. The event was attended by Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE), the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association, local wood associations, and relevant departments and agencies.

Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang addresses the congress. Photo: Vuong The

The association currently has 194 members representing wood-processing enterprises across the province. Over the past term, the association has made notable efforts through various initiatives, including trade promotion support for members and seminars aimed at strengthening industry linkages and building the Vietnamese wood brand. In addition, it has developed platforms such as “DOWA – Trade Connectivity” and “DOWA – Members” to facilitate information sharing, transactions, and business connections among members.

Deputy Director of the Forestry and Forest Protection Department (under the MoAE) Nguyen Van Dien speaks at the congress. Photo: Vuong The

Thanks to the dynamism of the business community and strong local direction, Dong Nai’s wood production and exports have continued to expand in recent years. In 2025, the province’s wood export value reached US$2.68 billion, accounting for 15% of the national total and ranking second nationwide. Looking ahead to 2030, leveraging its strengths in wood processing and abundant raw material zones, the association and its members aim to raise export turnover to US$4 billion while further developing the domestic market.

The DOWA’s executive committee for the 7th term makes its debut at the congress. Photo: Vuong The

Addressing the event, Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang emphasized that the wood industry plays a vital role in the province’s production structure, noting that Dong Nai still holds significant potential for expanding plantation forests to support processing activities. Therefore, she called on the association and enterprises to strengthen linkages, develop sustainably certified raw-material areas, and enhance the sector’s economic efficiency. Moreover, the association was urged to reinforce its leading role in market expansion and brand building for both Dong Nai and Vietnam’s wood industry, while proactively proposing policies and solutions to support local sector development in the coming period.

Newly elected Chairman of the DOWA Nguyen Phuong delivers his acceptance speech. Photo: Vuong The

The congress elected 26 members to the executive committee and a six-member Standing Committee, including one chairman, four vice chairpersons, and one head of the inspection board. Nguyen Phuong, Vice Chairman of the previous term and Director of Minh Thanh Co., Ltd., was elected Chairman of DOWA for the 2026-2030 term.

Signing ceremony between the DOWA and the Vocational College of Machinery and Irrigation. Photo: Vuong The.

On this occasion, DOWA also signed a cooperation agreement with the Vocational College of Machinery and Irrigation to enhance workforce training in response to enterprise demand.

By V.The – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho