Minister assures furniture industry of government support

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce and Trade Khurram Dastgir assured the local furniture industry of government support to enhance the country’s export and for the betterment of business environment.
The federal minister, addressing the inaugural session of capital’s first ever national level furniture exhibition “Interior Pakistan” on Friday, said the business community suffered a lot in the last decade due to insufficient government policies, energy crisis and above all due to security issues but the current government of PML-N was committed to provide extensive support to business community to achieve targets in national economy.
The Inaugural Ceremony of the 3rd Expo of the Pakistan Furniture Council was extremely well attended by members of the diplomatic corps, with more than 30 ambassadors, government officials and stakeholders of the furniture industry.
The three-day exhibition is enticing visitors with a whopping 20 percent discount on all purchases made during the event.
Minister Dastgir congratulated the Pakistan Furniture Council on the extensive showcasing of the furniture industry they had achieved without the involvement of the government and expressed his commitment to support future endeavors.
He was also immensely appreciative of the various stalls during the tour of the exhibition halls. Ambassador Rodolfo Martin Saravia, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina and Guest of Honor at the event, said it has always been my practice and privilege to promote Pakistani industry and products within Pakistan, in my own country and amongst the diplomatic corps.
Saravia said the furniture industry in Pakistan has great potential as it can be both a labour intensive and capital intensive sector.
He said skilled craftsmen can create unique pieces while large scale factories can produce many identical units – in both cases adding to the employment.
“I am delighted to support the Pakistan Furniture Council, a body committed to promoting Pakistani skill and craftsmanship, as well as creating international linkages to encourage trade,” he said.
“It is my hope that Interiors Pakistan will achieve a similar scale and popularity and that the members of the Pakistan Furniture Council will participate in the FIMAR.”
Mian Muhammad Kashif Ashfaq welcomed the dignitaries to the 3rd annual exhibition of Pakistan Furniture Council’s flagship brand - Interiors Pakistan.
“The first two exhibitions were held in Lahore to great acclaim, and this is the first time we at Islamabad are hosting. PFC has done a lot to promote interior designers and furniture manufacturers from all over Pakistan, both nationally and internationally,” Ashfaq said.
“What is more, this is also a good platform for new talent to come forward and be recognized. Through these exhibitions the Pakistan Furniture Council has laid the groundwork for furniture related commerce to move forward effectively and expand their market and in turn serve the economy of Pakistan.”
Shahzad Mughal, Director PFC, said: “On behalf of the Pakistan Furniture Council I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude for your support to this industry.”
“As you have seen we have brought some of the biggest names in the industry and the most innovative together in this Expo to highlight their diversity, skill and achievements,” Mughal said.