RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan has said that the government will provide a package of incentives and all out support to furniture sector to boost the export as well as improve the quality and design of handmade furniture at par with international standard.

He was talking to media after inauguration of 3-day 6th Interiors Pakistan exhibition at the International Expo Centre. He said that there is big demand of made-in-Pakistan furniture abroad because of its better quality and economic prices.

He told that holding of this exhibition and participation of international players gives soft image of Pakistan globally and attracts a

sizeable number of foreign investors.

He said the government will fully exploit the huge potential of furniture sector and provide a set of facilities for imparting training to workers attached to this sector.

Appreciating the Pakistan Furniture Council's efforts, the minister said it was a pleasant surprise for him to see a variety of local handmade and solid furniture under one roof which has potential to capture foreign buyers in international markets. "Trade fairs are the most important instrument in business-to-business communications", he said.

The government will provide every support to furniture producers and designers to conduct international exhibitions abroad. Pakistan is moving forward in a better position to attract investment and it is highly appreciable that PFC is exerting full force to create opportunities for the foreign investment in the country by creating business-to-business contacts with foreign furniture producers, he said.

Pakistan's investment profile has been upgraded by all leading rating agencies on account of successful economic reforms and improved security situation, he added.

"High perceived value for price; timely deliveries and proper after-sales service are needed for keeping Pakistani furniture a winner. Quality assurance must be improved and Pakistani furniture brands strengthened", he added.

Replying a query, the minister told that now there is no such policy under consideration to impose a ban on the import of furniture. He said when the government will find that exports of the furniture have been increased remarkably and there is no such need of import items, then there is possibility of imposing a ban on the import.

PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq also spoke on the occasion and briefed about the objectives and prospectus of the exhibition and potential of the industry.