Govt to help boost furniture export: minister

Our correspondent

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile Muhammad Pervaiz Malik Sunday said the government not only patronised furniture industry but would fully exploit its potential for boosting export worldwide especially to European countries, Canada and USA.

Addressing at the concluding ceremony of a three-day mega 9th Interiors Pakistan exhibition held here at Expo Centre, he said that with this exhibition, people would also come to know about quality and designs of the products manufactured by Pakistani artistes. The minister said it was a pleasant surprise for him to see variety of classy and outclass local handmade and solid furniture under one roof which has potential to capture foreign buyers in international markets. He said Pakistan was moving forward in a better position to attract investment and it was highly appreciable that Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) was exerting full force to create opportunities for foreign investment in the country by creating business-to-business contacts with foreign furniture producers. He said Pakistan’s investment profile has been upgraded by all leading rating agencies on account of successful economic reforms and improved security situation.

He said that trade fairs are among the most important instruments in business-to-business communications and PFC has been holding consecutively successfully 9th exhibitions in different cities of the country for promotion of the furniture industry. He said that the government would provide all kind of support to furniture producers and designers to conduct international exhibitions abroad. Pervaiz Malik said that woodworkers of this industry have great skills and potential and if used properly, Pakistan could become the best exporter of furniture. The minister said that with development of furniture industry, it would be easy to meet local and international demand.

SAARC Chamber Vice-President Iftikhar Ali Malik said Pakistan has potential to export at least one billion dollars handmade wood furniture annually if the government patronised furniture industry and if interest-free loans on soft terms and condition are advanced to small scale manufacturers for boosting export and overcoming their financial constraints which he added will also generate plenty of jobs to poor segment of society. He said the exhibition featured a comprehensive range of furniture by a diverse portfolio of quality exhibitors; and attracted a healthy and well-represented attendance of trade buyers and visitors.

Appreciating the role of Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) in organising such exhibitions frequently inside the country, he said these companies would get the opportunity to further create brand awareness.

They would have a chance to strengthen relationships with their existing customers as well as establish relations with international exhibiting companies attending the fair. PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq said this exhibition has now opened new ways and venues to the amazing potential and calibre of Pakistani furniture, fixtures and respective furnishing goods that we produce with high quality.