ISLAMABAD: Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Mian Kashif Ashfaq on Sunday said country’s furniture exports registered an increase of 202.49 per cent during the first four months of the current financial year compared to corresponding period of last year.

Talking to a delegation of SMEs experts, led by Nasir Hussain, Chief Financial Officer, Chen One, Mian Kashif said furniture worth $2.78 million was exported from July to October 2021 compared to corresponding period of last year.

According to a press release issued by the PFC, the furniture industry had a big potential to dominate global markets with innovative designs and it could significantly contribute to exports, but it needed a package of incentives and facilitation.

Mian Kashif said unfortunately in past the furniture sector remained neglected. It needed special attention of the federal and provincial governments for the training of woodworkers on modern lines to meet international standards, he added.

He stressed the need to explore the international market for boosting our exports as there is a lot of potential in Pakistani products. He said the value of furniture export was very nominal but the beginning had been made and with an aggressive marketing strategy it could be doubled in a short time. The PFC chief said if the government supported furniture companies, the volume of export could touch $5 billion in the next five years.

He urged the businessmen to work extensively to promote local industry. “Pakistan is blessed with abundant resources and our people are equipped with the best of inherited skills that can help develop the country at par with developed countries.”

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2021