The leader of the visiting Chinese furniture manufacturers’ delegation Zuo Boyang on Wednesday said they want to further enhance collaboration with Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) to promote furniture business and pave way for improved trade ties between the business communities of the either countries.
A high-level Chinese furniture delegation on a 2-day visit to Pakistan today visited PFC head office to exchange their expertise and experiences in regard to enhancing ties in the furniture sector. Zuo took a keen interest in various made in Pakistan furniture products and thoroughly discussed the ways and means for boosting the furniture trade especially office furniture and strengthening the existing business relations among the corporate sectors of two countries on modern lines.
Zuo Boyang, leading Chinese furniture producer, on this occasion, said Pakistan’s furniture with calligraphic engraving had great demand in international markets, which seems to be the dominant one in Pakistan, therefore Pakistani craftsmen should focus on working in this particular area to earn the much-needed foreign exchange. He said Pakistan has excellent craftsmen and designers, who could virtually give life to a piece of wood. Pakistan also has the potential to capture its share of the international market because local industry in Pakistan has the finest wood available in the country.
Rita Cho, another Chinese leading furniture producer, said both the countries not only share a border but also have unanimity of views on various political and economic issues. The two countries have a combined market of more than 1.5 billion people but the trade volume needs to be pushed up. “The Chinese importers may have better prospects for Pakistani goods, particularly of furniture. “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 Deputy General Manager PFC Faisal Mohsin about the bright scope of the future industry in Pakistan. He said furniture sector is being promoted under the dynamic leadership of PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq. He said most of the country has great scope for Pakistani Furniture, because they like Pakistani Traditional Hand-Carved furniture designs with classic finishing and similar designs can 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 if there is government’s will and a vision amongst furniture traders. Joint ventures with China through trade commissions for providing machines on a 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 the massive influx of inexpensive Chinese furniture in the markets, Pakistani handmade furniture is still admired among masses for its customary designs, durability and quality .He pointed that furniture exports from Pakistan were hovering between $8.0 million to $12 million per annum, which did not reflect even a fraction of the actual potential of the furniture industry.
