Pakistan’s furniture industry is grappling with a severe shortage of skilled woodworkers, triggering significant delays in the shipment of export consignments and affecting the industry’s efficiency, repute and profitability.
Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq stated this while addressing a delegation of furniture manufacturers led by Faryad Ahmed Raza on Sunday. He said that woodworking skills are fundamental in the furniture manufacturing process, from crafting intricate designs to ensuring the structural integrity of pieces. However, the demand for skilled woodworkers in Pakistan exceeds the available workforce.
This shortage was attributed to various factors including limited vocational training programmes, low wages and a lack of interest among the young generation to pursue careers in woodworking, he added. The PFC chief said that export-oriented furniture manufacturers heavily rely on timely deliveries to maintain customer satisfaction and uphold the global market.
However, the scarcity of skilled woodworkers has led to production bottlenecks, prolonging lead times and jeopardizing shipment schedules, he mentioned.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th 2024.
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