PFC organises 8th Interiors Pakistan Exhibition at Expo Centre

Furniture industry requires government's support to contribute to the economy, says CEO

KARACHI: In order to promote the local furniture industry, the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) is organising the eighth Interiors Pakistan Exhibition at the Expo Centre, Karachi from July 7 to July 9.

The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press conference by PFC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mian Kashif Ashfaq where he briefed the media about the exhibition.

Ashfaq said that this is the eighth exhibition and the second time it is being held in Karachi. They have previously organised exhibitions in Lahore and Islamabad as well.

Ashfaq said there is great potential in Pakistan's local furniture industry but it is not being acknowledged by the government.



He praised the furniture carving industry of Chiniot, Gujrat and Gojra and said that it requires the government's support in order to get promoted internationally.

"Rs4 billion worth of furniture is imported but unfortunately, exports remain at Rs0.7 billion, which clearly shows the condition of the local furniture industry," said Ashfaq, while stressing the need to promote local industry. The PFC was established in 2008 when major furniture manufacturers of Pakistan decided to promote mid-level furniture enterprises he explained..

Regarding the details of the event, he said that 22 brands will be exhibiting their products and 187 stalls will showcase different interior and furniture related products. He mentioned that a 20% discount on all brands will be offered at the exhibition. The chief guest of the event will be Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar, Association of Builders and Developers Chairperson Mohsin Sheikhani and other dignitaries will also attend the exhibition.

Foreign delegates have arrived to attend the exhibition and we hope that it would be more successful than previous events said Ashfaq. He also stressed the need for national support in order to build the industry for a better national economy.



Ashfaq said that if the required support was given to manufacturers and brands to reach out to the international market, our industry will contribute to the economy and our furniture products will be considered leaders in the international market.

He added that the furniture industry requires large amount of wood hence realising the need for trees, the PFC has decided to plant 100,000 sheesham trees, initially in Punjab and then in rest of the country.