Chinese impressed with Pakistan’s craftsmen, designers

Delegation says Pakistani furniture has great demand in international markets

LAHORE: Chinese investors are interested in enhancing collaboration with the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) to promote the industry and pave way for improved trade ties between the business communities of both countries. This was stated by the Chinese furniture manufacturers delegation head Zuo Boyang during his visit to the PFC head office.

Boyang took keen interest in various furniture products made in Pakistan and discussed ways to boost trade. “Pakistan’s furniture with calligraphic engravings has great demand in the international market.





“The country has excellent craftsmen and designers, who can virtually give life to a piece of wood,” he said, adding that Pakistani craftsmen should work in this particular area to earn much-needed foreign exchange.

Another leading Chinese furniture producer, Rita Cho, said both countries not only shared a border but also had unanimity of views on various political and economic issues. “Both China and Pakistan have a combined market of over 1.5 billion people but trade volume needs to be pushed up further,” she said. “The Chinese importers may have better prospects for Pakistani goods, particularly furniture.”

Earlier, members of the delegation were briefed by PFC Deputy General Manager Faisal Mohsin about the bright prospects of the furniture industry in Pakistan.



“Furniture exports from Pakistan hover between $8 million to $12 million per annum, which does not reflect even a fraction of the actual potential of this industry,” he said and urged exporters to promote furniture exports by participating more regularly in international shows.

“Joint ventures with China through trade commissions for providing machines on lease could bring product quality at par with the highest international standards; but for this to happen, the furniture industry must vigorously transform from cottage or small scale industry to an innovative one via training, upgrading supplies and imports,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2016.

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