LAHORE - Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana Friday said Pakistan handmade furniture products had great potential to capture world market with excellent modern designing.
Inaugurating a 3-day “9th Interiors Pakistan” mega exhibition, here at Expo Centre, he urged the businessmen to work extensively to promote local industry in Pakistan. “Pakistan is blessed with abundant resources and our people are equipped with the best skills that can help develop the country on modern lines,” he added. He was also immensely appreciative of the various stalls during the visit of the exhibition hall and said these were a unique combination of traditional art and modern day requirements. “Joint efforts have to be made on modern lines to gain optimum access to international markets for locally manufactured furniture and accessories,” he said.
He said that government will fully support the furniture industry to exploit its potential for boosting the production and maximize export worldwide. He said the furniture industry in Pakistan has great potential as it can be both a labour intensive and capital intensive sector. He said skilled craftsmen can create unique pieces while large scale factories can produce many identical units – in both cases adding to the employment. “I am delighted to support the Pakistan Furniture Council, a body committed to promoting Pakistani skill and craftsmanship, as well as creating international linkages to encourage trade,” he remarked.
Governor congratulated the Pakistan Furniture Council Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq on the extensive showcasing of the furniture industry and expressed his commitment to support future endeavors. He said concerted efforts are needed to promote locally manufactured furniture and relevant accessories.
“This is also a good platform for new talent to come forward and be recognized. Through these exhibitions the Pakistan Furniture Council has laid the groundwork for furniture related commerce to move forward effectively and expand their market and in turn serve the economy of Pakistan.” Governor added. He said that PFC has done a lot to promote interior designers and furniture manufacturers from all over Pakistan, both nationally and internationally.
PFC Chief Executive Mian Muhammad Kashif Ashfaq along with members of board of directors of PFC Khawaja Maqbool Elahi, Shahzad Yousaf Mughal, Shahbaz Aslam and Rizwan Ahmad welcomed the dignitaries including Dr Amjad Saqib, Chairman Akhuwat Foundation to Council’s flagship brand – “Interiors Pakistan” expo.