Ho Chi Minh City, November 11, 2026 – The Ho Chi Minh City Structural Architecture Wood Association (SAWA) and the Softwood Export Council (SEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a new step forward in international cooperation to promote the development of standard-grade construction timber, strengthen technical capacity, and expand the application of timber materials in Vietnam’s construction sector.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Võ Quang Hà, Chairman of SAWA, representing the Vietnamese side, and Ms. Rose Braden, Chair of the Softwood Export Council (SEC), representing the United States. The signing was witnessed by senior representatives, including Mr. Mark Slupek, Deputy Administrator, Global Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); Mr. Đinh Hồng Kỳ, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Construction and Building Materials (SACA); Mr. Phùng Quốc Mẫn, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Woodworking and Handicraft Industries (HAWA); and Mr. Nguyễn Phương, Chairman of the Dong Nai Wood and Handicraft Association (DOWA), together with delegates, experts, architects, and businesses from the timber and construction sectors.
Paving the Way for U.S. Standard Construction Timber to Enter the Vietnamese Market
Through the MOU, SAWA and SEC establish a framework for cooperation to connect and promote the introduction of softwood products, particularly U.S. standard construction timber, into the Vietnamese market, while strengthening professional exchanges, expert connections, and market information sharing. This cooperation provides a foundation for Vietnamese businesses, architects, and engineers to access U.S. softwood products with clearly defined grades, standards, and technical specifications, broadening their choices and opportunities for applying timber in construction projects.
SAWA DEPOT – Towards Vietnam’s First Specialized Standard Construction Timber Supermarket
As part of the signing ceremony, SAWA introduced and emphasized its development vision for SAWA DEPOT – a standard construction timber center located within TAVICO WOOD HUB, at a strategic location described as a gateway connecting the values of the global timber industry with Vietnam. SAWA DEPOT aims to establish Vietnam’s first specialized construction timber supermarket, connecting product supply, technical solutions, and international professional resources. It will serve as an access point for architects, engineers, contractors, and businesses to explore, select, and apply construction timber products that meet relevant standards and come with clear technical information.
In particular, the project will focus on connecting and introducing imported softwood construction timber from countries with strengths in producing and using this material, including the United States. Through its cooperation with SEC, SAWA aims to expand connections with U.S. softwood suppliers, gain access to international products and expertise, and bring standard-grade softwood construction timber closer to the Vietnamese market.
International Cooperation – Advancing Standards, Technical Training, and the Development of New Timber-Based Construction Materials
Through SAWA–SEC cooperation, the two parties aim to support the development of Vietnamese construction standards for construction timber, while providing technical support through training courses for architects and engineers on the use of construction timber, structural timber, and new engineered timber products, drawing on international experience and standards. This cooperation will create opportunities for Vietnamese architects, engineers, and businesses to access international knowledge, experience, and technical solutions, thereby gradually strengthening their capabilities in designing, selecting, and applying timber materials in practical construction projects.
In addition, the cooperation will open up opportunities to research, develop, and apply new timber-based construction materials, such as Glulam (glued laminated timber), CLT (cross-laminated timber), and modern timber structural solutions. These products can broaden the range of material options available to architects, engineers, and construction businesses, enabling timber to play a greater role in building components and structural systems.
International cooperation is a pathway to opening a new era for timber-based construction, while creating opportunities for internationally standardized construction timber to gradually enter Vietnam’s green building materials market. This will help diversify material sources, encourage innovation in design and construction, and expand development opportunities for Vietnam’s construction timber sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Võ Quang Hà, Chairman of SAWA, affirmed: “SAWA is committed to working closely with SEC to translate the areas of cooperation into practical activities, contributing to market expansion and promoting the application of timber in construction in Vietnam.” He also expressed his hope that the partnership between the two organizations would continue to grow and flourish.
The signing of the MOU between SAWA and SEC lays the foundation for a long-term partnership between the two organizations from Vietnam and the United States. It also opens up opportunities to promote the entry of internationally standardized construction timber into the Vietnamese market, strengthen technical capacity, and develop new construction solutions using timber materials.