Furniture sector can play vital role in strengthening economy if government patronises: FPCCI

Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Chairman and Vice President Manzoor-ul-Haq Malik on Saturday said that local furniture sector attached great importance to the national economy and could make a substantial contribution of billions of dollars export annually if the government properly patronizes it on priority for boosting export of Pakistani handmade furniture.
He expressed these views during his visit to "9th Interiors Pakistan" exhibition held at Expo Centre. He urged the government to establish greater liaison with this sector to fully understand the market conditions and requirements of the industry needs to protect, develop and promote.
The government should also provide more visible support to furniture business in terms of simple and easily obtainable grants for exhibiting and travelling to trade shows and promoting Pak export as a success globally. He said currently, the textile sector was the country's largest industry in terms of exports, exporting $14 billion worth of goods annually.
He said the second largest segment is rice, which generates $2 billion through exports, but Pakistan's furniture exports stand at a meagre $51 million. If the government extends its support to furniture companies, the volume of export could touch the figure of $5 billion for the next five years.
He suggested that a programme for developing and promoting the furniture sector both in rural and urban areas could be feasible, and also stressed upon urgent need for implementing modern techniques which not only enhance productivity, develop skills of labourers and meet requirements of local and global markets.
FPCCI former vice president Mian Rehman Aziz said no one can compete the Pakistani local handmade furniture because of its quality and designs attract the buyers of all taste irrespective of geographical boundaries.
Meanwhile, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) President Malik Tahir Javaid said the Lahore Chamber would provide furniture exhibitors level playing field enabling them to conduct their business with peace of mind and add up to the important revenue to the national exchequer. While lamenting the low level of furniture exports, he stressed on the importance of exploring international markets for potential customers to boost exports and the furniture industry.