LAHORE: Chinese investors of furniture industry Wednesday express their interest to further enhance collaboration with the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) to promote furniture business and pave way for improved trade ties between business communities of both the countries.
Leader of Chinese furniture manufacturers delegation, Zuo Boyang, expressed these views during their visit PFC head office to exchange their expertise and experiences in regard of enhancing ties in furniture sector.
Zuo took keen interest in various 'made in Pakistan' furniture products and thoroughly discussed the ways and means for boosting furniture trade especially office furniture and strengthening the existing business relations among the corporate sectors of two countries on modern lines.
Zuo Boyang, a leading Chinese furniture producer, added that Pakistan's furniture with calligraphic engraving had great demand in international markets which seemed to be dominant one in Pakistan, therefore, Pakistani craftsmen should focus on working in this particular area to earn much-needed foreign exchange.
He said Pakistan had excellent craftsmen and designers, who could virtually give life to a piece of wood. Pakistan also has potential to capture its share in international market because local industry in Pakistan had the finest wood available in country.
Rita Cho, another Chinese leading furniture producer, said both the countries not only share border but also have unanimity of views on various political and economic issues.
The two countries had a combined market of more than 1.5 billion people but the trade volume needed to be pushed up. "The Chinese importers may have better prospects for Pakistani goods particularly of furniture.
Rita Cho asserted, "The involvement of Chinese enterprises, both in terms of technical and financial assistance in several development projects is reflective of our cordial relations based on mutual trust and sincerity and Chinese furniture sector is willing to enhance its trading ties with Pakistan and there are many areas which can be explored with mutual enterprises in furniture sector in Pakistan."
Earlier, members of the delegation were briefed by PFC Deputy General Manager Faisal Mohsin about the bright scope of the future industry in Pakistan.
He said furniture sector was being promoted under the dynamic leadership of PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq. He said most of the country had great scope for Pakistani furniture, because they like Pakistani traditional hand-carved furniture designs with classic finishing and similar designs could be replicated in China market, therefore, efforts must be made to promote furniture exports by more regular participation in international shows.
"All this can happen with the support of government and a vision amongst furniture traders. Joint ventures with China through trade commissions for providing machines on lease can bring product quality at par with highest international standards. But for this to happen, the furniture industry in Pakistan must vigorously transform from cottage or small scale industry to innovative industry through training, upgrading supplies and imports," he added.
He said, despite massive influx of inexpensive Chinese furniture in the markets, Pakistani handmade furniture was still admired among masses for its customary designs, durability and quality. He pointed out that furniture exports from Pakistan were hovering between USD eight million to USD 12 million per annum, which did not reflect even a friction of the actual potential of furniture industry.
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