‘Furniture exports can fetch billions of dollars annually’

LAHORE: Pakistan’s furniture industry has the capacity to earn the country billions of dollars in annual exports revenue if the government supports the local manufacturers and slaps a ban on imports, an official said on Monday.  

“The industry can also significantly contribute to national GDP,” Chief Executive Kashif Ashfaq at Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) told media ahead of three-day 6th Interiors Pakistan Exhibition starting from November 25.

Ashfaq said furniture makers suffer from a lack of recognition from the government. He said the country’s wood industry is well-developed. The country has more than 700 units of wooden furniture making with Chiniot, Gujrat, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi important centres. 

The supplies are being made to home, hotels, restaurants, offices and public facilities. The Pakistan Furniture Council  chief said furniture made in Chinioti meets more than 80 percent of the local demand. 

“This, combined with the handicraft industry, is employing around 50,000 people,” he added. “If local industry expands new opportunities of employment would be generated.”  Ashfaq said Chiniot is famous for its beautifully wood carved furniture and brass inlays. 

On the upcoming event, he said the British High Commissioner will inaugurate the exhibition, while Italian Ambassador will participate in the closing ceremony. “The objective is to promote local furniture and associated products at the local and international levels,” he added. 

He said delegations from China, Italy, United Kingdom, Turkey, Hong Kong, Thailand and Bangkok have confirmed their participation, while further participation from other countries is also expected in the second week of this month. The council expects that more than 50 leading local companies and interior designers would display their products at the fair while as many as 200,000 to 250,000 visitors would be visiting.