Hanoi boosts handicraft exports to Nordic countries

The 2024 Formex International Handicraft Fair in Sweden was held from August 27 to 29 to promote trade in this Nordic market.

The event aimed to help Hanoi-based enterprises understand global market trends, expand export markets, and promote handicrafts, traditional village products, and Hanoi’s OCOP items in Europe and worldwide.

Among the highlights of the event were the "Hanoi - Vietnam" booth and the Trade Connection Workshop between Hanoi firms with the distribution system in Europe and Sweden. 

Hanoi’s pavilion at the Formex International Handicraft Fair in Sweden. Photos: The DARD

According to Nguyen Dinh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), the Formex fair in Sweden serves as a means for Vietnamese enterprises, especially those from Hanoi, to market their products, increase exports and participate in distribution chains in the European market and other countries.

"The event is an unmissable trade and promotion opportunity aimed at boosting exports to this market. Uniquely designed with the theme "Hanoi Craft Villages - Traditional Values - Modern Design", Hanoi's pavilion at the fair reflects the rich cultural heritage of Thang Long (Hanoi) in Vietnam. In particular, it conveys the vibrant colors and identity of Vietnam, making it a must-see destination for fairgoers," said Hoa.

The event brought together 10 companies producing items with strong export potential and competitiveness in the Swedish and European markets, including decorative ceramics, household ceramics; decorations, kitchenware; blankets, decorative pillows, handbags, wallets, fabric coasters, fabric placemats, fabric accessories; Christmas decorations; rattan, bamboo, and silk products. 

Hanoi's silk products are a big draw for visitors.

Hanoi companies also participated in forums, conferences and workshops under the Formex 2024 International Handicraft Fair, which covered various topics and allowed participants to gain professional insights into international brand building, product promotion strategies, and current trends in handicraft and gift product design worldwide.

As part of the fair, DARD held a workshop for business networking between Hanoi-based companies and companies in the distribution systems of Europe and Nordic countries in particular. 

A signing ceremony between the DARD and Lund University on the 2025 Design Cooperation Program to detail the product designs to meet export needs to the European market.

With a history of over 64 years, Formex Fair in Sweden is a prestigious and traditional annual event in Europe, attracting over 3,000 companies from more than 100 countries. The 2024 Formex International Handicraft Fair is the largest in Northern Europe, with national pavilions from several countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, France, Spain, Germany, Colombia, Japan, and Qatar, among others. The fair brings together artisans, manufacturers and distributors from all over the world.