HAWA was established in 1991 and has been recognized by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. The association is a volunteer organization consisting of the enterprises that belongs to different kinds of economics sectors and are operating in the field of handicraft and wood industry.

Enterprises accepting the regulations of the association and joining in volunteer, can all become official members of the association.

The association consists of enterprises of following fields such as:
  - Furniture (indoor & outdoor)
  - Wood processing
  - Interior decoration
  - Timber trade
  - Industrial supply
  - Pottery, porcelain, bamboo, rattan, water hyacinth, Sea grass, banana fiber, banana fiber
  - Lacquer ware
  - Fine art
  - Embroidery and knitting,
Its management and executive structure consist of a Congress of Members, a 15-member Executive Board, a Standing Committee, and a Controlling Board (chart 1).

HAWA member category:

–       Wood processing, Furniture and Interior decoration:  52%
–       Handicrafts and Fine art (pottery, porcelain, Rattan, bamboo, lacquer ware): 27%
–       Trading: 16%
-      Service Provider: 5%

Member distribution: in 22 provinces: Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong nai, Nha trang, Binh Thuan, Binh dinh, Quang nam, Da nang, Hue, Hai Phong, Ha Noi… )

The association is self-financing and builds on the following sources of revenue:
  - One-time application fee per member
  - Annual membership fees.
  - Services charged for.
  - Contributions from individuals and international organizations.

The main activities of the association are:
  - Representing and defending legitimate interests of the members.
  - Submitting and contributing opinions to the government.
  - Organizing competitions, conferences, and workshops to promote the development of the handicraft and wood industry in Vietnam.
  - Widening relations with international organizations on behalf of members
  - Providing members with timely and useful information on related activities.

Members of HAWA are not only situated in Ho Chi Minh City, but also in many other provinces such as: Binh duong, Dong nai, Nha trang, Binh dinh, Quang ngai, Quang nam, Da nang, Hue, Hanoi, Hai phong, Ben tre, An giang ...