Pakistan can make a considerable increase in the national exports by addressing the issues and demands of the furniture industry's cluster.
It was observed by the speakers at a one-day seminar organised by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (Smeda) on "Development of Furniture Industry" at Chiniot.
According to a Smeda spokesman, Managing Director Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) Muhammad Ali Gardezi was the chief guest while Iqbal Kidwai, General Manager Operations Smeda presided.
The stakeholders of the industry demanded government assistance in acquiring modern technology, export market, financial assistance, capacity building and training facilities. They also called for setting up a furniture display center and an information resource center in Chiniot.
Managing Director PSIC, Muhammad Ali Gardezi, speaking on this occasion disclosed that his organisation had already set up a Wood Seasoning Plant between Gujrat and Chiniot that will start test operation by Thursday next.
Responding to a question regarding financing facilities, Gardezi said that PSIC was already providing working capital loans to the small industries in Punjab.
Earlier two schemes were in operation in this regard, under which Rs 10 million were distributed last year, he said adding that the third scheme for working capital loans would exclusively be launched for Chiniot.
General Manager Operations, Smeda, Iqbal Kidwai in his address said that Smeda had launched a special programme for development of SME clusters throughout the country.
He acknowledged that furniture industry's cluster in Chiniot had a great potential to penetrate in the world market. Smeda will leave no stone unturned to develop this cluster at par with world standards, he added.
Provincial Chief Smeda, Alamgir Chaudhry gave a presentation on scope of Pakistan's wooden furniture industry.