Hailing Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) four-day Pakistan International Trade Fair commencing from 26 to 29 October, 2017 in Karachi, Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) on Wednesday announced that its all leading local furniture brands will fully participate in this fair and display their world class local handmade furniture products to attract foreign investors and local buyers.
This decision was taken at the Board of Directors meeting held at PFC Head Office in Lahore under the Chair of PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq. Later, Secretary PFC Hamid Mehmood was appointed as liaison officer with FPCCI for finalizing arrangement in regard of displaying furniture products.
PFC is delighted to have come forward to become a part of Pakistan International Trade Fair and we look forward to enlightening the prospective customer about the many interesting aspects of workplace solutions that are available today. He informed the PFC board of directors that the exhibition is also set to attract not only manufacturers and suppliers from within Pakistan but also from overseas as well, all under one roof. All leading furniture brands associated with PFC will also be part of the event and showcase an array of their latest furniture and interior solutions.
PFC Chief said that the potential of furniture industry here in Pakistan is enormous and that within 2-3 years, it could even be double if the government patronized this industry. He said the exhibitions feature a comprehensive range of furniture by a diverse portfolio of quality exhibitors; and attracts a healthy and well-represented attendance of trade buyers and visitors.
He said such exhibitions would allow companies the opportunity to increase brand awareness and have the chance to strengthen relationships with their existing customers as well as establish relations with international exhibiting companies attending the fair.
While lamenting the low level of furniture exports, Kashif stressed on the importance of exploring international markets for potential customers to boost exports and the furniture industry.
He said there is a growing interest in craftsmanship, with consumers demanding better quality. The furniture we make is an investment. It is also less wasteful to have something you want to keep from generation to generation.
Mian Kashif also expressed confidence in the forthcoming four-day Pakistan International Trade Fair expo as an effective marketing tool apart from attracting investment since numerous foreign and local investors are expected to be in attendance.
He said that this would be the biggest trade and consumer fair that would bring numerous opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to gather in one place and showcase their products, increase brand awareness as well as strengthen their relationships with other companies and their customers.
The companies’ construction, consumer products, banking, insurance, machinery and automobiles, alternate energy resources would bring their products and technologies. Besides, goods such as furniture, sports equipment and handicraft would be displayed. There would be an opportunity for B2B and B2C meetings. This would prove a gateway to international market, he said.
Textiles and rice are currently the largest exports of Pakistan bringing in $14 billion and $2 billion of foreign exchange, respectively. Furniture exports on the other hand stand at a meager $51 million. He said that this figure could go up to $5 billion with government support for furniture companies within five years or less.
He congratulated Federation Chief Zubair Tufail, Patron-in-Chief United Business Group (UBG) SM Muneer and Chief UBG and veteran trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik for taking such a bold and wise decision for holding international fair in Pakistan and hoped it will be made an annual feature regularly.
