Saudi investors eye Chinioti furniture

$8.27b Saudi market offers major opening as PFC delegation explores joint ventures

LAHORE:

Saudi investors are showing keen interest in Pakistan's handmade carved furniture and are actively exploring avenues for joint ventures, investment and technology collaboration with local manufacturers, Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq said on Tuesday.

Ashfaq, who is currently on a six-member PFC delegation visit to Saudi Arabia aimed at promoting bilateral trade ties and unlocking new export opportunities for Pakistan's furniture sector in the Gulf region, said Saudi counterparts highly praised the craftsmanship, quality and intricate wood carving skills of Pakistani artisans, particularly inthe production of traditional and luxury furniture. They noted that Pakistani handmade furniture possesses strong potential in Gulf markets owing to its unique designs, durability and competitive pricing, attributes that align well with the growing Saudi appetite for bespoke and culturally resonant pieces.

According to international research, the Saudi Arabia furniture market is valued at $8.27 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $11.35 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.53%. This rapid expansion, fuelled by Vision 2030's ambitious residential and hospitality mega-projects, presents a major opening for Pakistani exporters. The Saudi luxury furniture market alone, valued at $236 million in 2024, is expected to reach $304 million by 2030, driven by rising disposable incomes and a growing appetite for personalised, bespoke designs – a niche where Pakistani craftsmen, known for their handcrafted Chinioti and Mughal-style woodwork, are uniquely positioned to compete.

Ashfaq further informed Saudi stakeholders that Pakistan's furniture sector has made significant strides in recent years and is capable of meeting international standards. Pakistan's total furniture exports in FY25, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), stood at $7.9 million, and industry leaders believe this figure can grow substantially with the right international partnerships and government support.

The PFC chief added that joint collaboration with Saudi partners would help enhance production capacity, modernise manufacturing techniques and expand exports to regional and global markets. Joint investment initiatives, he added, would strengthen bilateral trade and facilitate the transfer of modern technology and expertise. Both sides agreed to continue discussions aimed at identifying potential projects and fostering greater economic cooperation.

Pakistan's furniture industry is particularly renowned for its use of sheesham (rosewood), which adds to the distinctive appeal of its products, with leading furniture-making centres located in Chiniot, Gujrat, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi. These centres produce a wide array of traditional styles, including antique, Chinioti, Mughal and Oriental, that resonate strongly with Gulf consumers who value heritage aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Industry experts believe the Gulf market represents a largely untapped opportunity for Pakistani furniture exporters. Traditional Arabic designs remain popular in Saudi Arabia, with many consumers opting for furniture that reflects their cultural heritage, while the large expatriate population in the kingdom has also created demand for furniture catering to diverse cultural tastes. Pakistani handmade furniture, with its intricate wood carvings and traditional motifs, is well-suited to meet both segments of this demand.

The PFC chief expressed confidence that this visit would pave the way for concrete investment proposals and long-term partnerships between Pakistani furniture manufacturers and their Saudi counterparts, ultimately helping Pakistan enhance its footprint in one of the world's fastest-growing furniture markets.