Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq has urged the caretaker government to adopt a holistic approach for exploring untapped markets, to increase the country's exports of Pakistan's world-class furniture.
"Pakistan has untapped export potential of $6 billion as unexplored areas in furniture can help double exports within a year," Ashfaq said, adding: "There was a need to devise a comprehensive strategy to promote the furniture industry on commercial lines, as conducive working environment will enhance the capacity of our workers, enabling them to compete internationally."
Talking to a delegation, here on Wednesday, Mian Kashif Ashfaq said, "The potential is largely untapped and there is room for diversification. The market beyond Pakistani borders is substantially larger than the local market."
Applauding the work of local craftsmen, he said, "The variety and traditional expertise of woodworkers and craftsmen has a huge potential for exports, and can cater not only to the regular furniture market but also of the wealthy looking for unique furniture items."
He hoped that the caretaker cabinet would pursue radical economic reforms through a long-term stable administration. The Ministry of Commerce can help explore potential international markets to enhance exports, he added.
He also said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) should support furniture exporters at international furniture exhibitions. "Exports to Italy, France, and the USA are 55 percent of the total exports. Pakistani foreign missions should explore new avenues and holding fairs in their respective countries," he said.
He said the furniture sector could touch more than $850 million export target by year 2018 if it is provided with training centres for skilled workmanship, women development schemes, and high-tech machinery. "Re-constitution of federal timber board, comprising private and public sector members is necessary to restructure Sheesham wood plantation and ban its illegal export," he said.
He expressed optimism about the future of exports of furniture items from Pakistan as the country has a huge potential that it can explore.