Govt To Promote Pakistan's Furniture Sector: Razak

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Dec, 2018 ) :Prime Minister's Advisor on Commerce, Textile and Industrial Production and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood Sunday said the government would provide all possible support and resources for promotion of Pakistan's furniture sector by formulating a comprehensive strategy in coordination with stakeholders to also ensure its exports.

He expressed these views while talking to media during his visit to 10th Interiors Pakistan Exhibition organized by Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) here at Expo Centre. PFC Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Almas Hyder were also present.

Abdul Razak added the government was taking all possible measures to promote 'Made in Pakistan' products at local and international markets and special incentive packages would be given to strengthen manufacturing in furniture sector to boost the exports.

He also appreciated PFC for holding successful exhibition without having support of the government, citing, "PFC deserves appreciation for promoting the culture of local brands to strengthen the national economy." To a question, the Advisor said that country's economy would improve in the months to come as Pakistani products were being exported mainly due to timely policies of the present government. He said that with this exhibition, people would also come to know about quality and designs of the products manufactured by Pakistani artists.

He said that Pakistan's furniture sector had progressed to certain level however there was a lot of efforts yet to be done as the sector had great potential.

Abdul Razak Dawood said that workers of this industry have great skills and potential and if used properly, Pakistan could become the best exporter of furniture. He said that with development of furniture industry, it would be easy to meet local and international needs.

To another question, he said the government was all committed for jobs creation for the youth and it could not be done overnight, as it would take time, and with the increased exports and vibrant export-oriented industry would help create job opportunities.

He said the government was also discussing ways and means to overcome balance of payment issue and remove all economic ills.

Earlier, the Advisor to the Prime Minister visited various stalls of the exhibition. He praised the workmanship, quality and design of the various items put on display.

On this occasion, PFC Chief Mian Kashif Ashfaq expressed his gratitude for visiting exhibition as chief guest at the concluding ceremony. He also assured the advisor that the business community of the country would provide its full support to the government towards implementing its reforms agenda and overcoming the current economic challenges.

He said that PFC was playing its due role efficiently for promoting furniture brands not only in the country but also abroad by displaying world class innovative designs suit to the aesthetic sense of buyers. He said Pakistan has good potential to enhance furniture exports to USA and Europe by developing good brands and business community should focus on branding of products to promote business activities and improve exports.

Mian Kashif said, "We need policies to protect the furniture sector so that we can grow in the correct manner. We currently cannot compete with the Chinese market because of their prices which is largely due to the availability of skilled labour. " China for instance has over a thousand technical schools, and enroll at least 11 million people with the support of their government to ensure they set up programs that will support the local industry," he added.

He stressed the need for the government and the Pakistani people to increase their patronage of furniture products made by local industry. The PFC chief said furniture made in Chiniot meets more than 80 percent of the local demand. This, combined with the handicraft industry, is employing around 50,000 people, he said and added that if local industry expands new opportunities of employment will generate.

At the closing ceremony, Abdul Razak Dawood presented certificates of participation to the stall holders, while PFC Chief Mian Kashif presented the Advisor with a shield.