National News

ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT+APP): The leader of the visiting Chinese
furniture manufacturers delegation, Zuo Boyang Wednesday said
they want to further enhance collaboration with Pakistan Furniture
Council (PFC) to promote business and pave way for improved trade ties between the business communities of both countries.
A high level of Chinese furniture delegation on a 2-day visit
to Pakistan visited PFC head office and exchanged 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
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 that Pakistan has excellent craftsmen and designers, who
could virtually give life to a piece of wood.
Pakistan also has potential to capture its share in the international
market because local industry in Pakistan has 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 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 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 friction of the actual potential of the furniture industry.