Kanwal Naseer

The global furniture market is highly competitive, featuring significant players from North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and India. As the consumer preferences shift towards modern designing, the industry must embrace new trends. Encouraging and incentivizing transition to modern manufacturing is crucial for getting a competitive edge, reports wealthPK.

According to the data released by the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency, Pakistan’s furniture exports surged around 80% to USD9.4 million in FY22 from USD5.2 million during FY21. The growth trend continued into the current fiscal year, with exports increasing by 92% between 6MFY22 and 6MFY23. Despite this growth, exports still occupy a relatively small share of the total local furniture manufacturing, reports WealthPK. Talking to WealthPK, Chairman of Pakistan furniture Association Zahid Hussain said, “The leading furniture making areas of Pakistan are Karachi, Chiniot, Gujrat, Peshawar, and Lahore. In Pakistan, the furniture industry is primarily divided into small-scale and cottage units, relying on manual labour and inadequate tools for production. This non-mechanized approach leads to high costs and low output.”

He emphasized, “The manufacturers must stay informed about new trends and select colours and materials that align with the global demand, as modern designing is essential in the furniture industry. By keeping up with the international design trends, the furniture makers can expand their market reach and cater to diverse customer preferences. Embracing global trends enhances a business' ability to enter new markets and increase export potential.” “Pakistan is rich in resources, and our people possess excellent skills that can contribute to the country's modern development,” he said. “Unfortunately, the furniture sector has been largely neglected and requires focused attention from both federal and provincial governments to train woodworkers in contemporary techniques.

The manufacturers and exporters should participate in international exhibitions, as these events offer a valuable access to market trends and the opportunity to showcase their work and products globally.” “We must support and encourage Pakistan’s young entrepreneurs in the furniture and interior designing sector, noting that their innovative thinking could drive significant economic growth. Exhibitions and training programmes enable these emerging talents to evaluate market trends and present their creations alongside those of more experienced businesses,” he concluded.

Credit: INP-WealthPk