PFC calls for interest-free loans to revamp industry

LAHORE: Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq Sunday called for interest-free loans for furniture manufacturers for five years for importing new technology to improve overall infrastructure of the industry.

He was talking to a delegation of furniture producers led by Mian Faryad Ahmad Raza. He said the government needs to streamline existing markets and identify new potential markets for 'Made-in-Pakistan' products in Far-East, Central Asian Republics, Latin America and Russia.

He said, "Marketing Intelligence Cell" at Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) must be providing assistance to furniture manufacturers and exporters in obtaining information pertaining to international demands for furniture, competitive price index, expanding markets and other essential trends.

He urged the businessmen to work extensively to promote the local furniture industry. “Pakistan is blessed with abundant resources and our people are equipped with the best skills that can help develop the country on modern lines,” he added. He said public and private joint efforts have to be made on modern lines to gain optimum access to international markets for locally manufactured furniture and accessories.

He said the potential of the Pakistani furniture industry is enormous and that within 2-3 years, it could even be double if the government patronized this industry. Kashif said the government should also provide more visible support to furniture business in terms of simple and easily obtainable grants for exhibiting and traveling to trade shows and promoting country export as a success globally.