PFC Felicitates Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

ISLAMABAD, Aug 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 02nd Aug, 2017 ) : Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) on Wednesday felicitating Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as new Prime Minister. PFC urged the government to give furniture and interior decoration the industry status, pointing towards its potential to generate ample foreign exchange through exports.

PFC Chief Mian Kashif Ashfaq in press statement issued here said that 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 to the wealthy looking for unique furniture items.

He also urged the newly elected Prime Minister to impose immediate ban on the import of furniture in a bid to provide new lease of life to this industry as well as to fully exploit its potential for extracting foreign exchange.

"We need government support to strengthen this sector as we believe it could generate at least $10 billion in exports if the requisite processes get streamlined," he added.

He said furniture and interior decorators are in ample demand in Pakistan and different clusters of artisans, including those operating in Gujarat, Lahore, Chiniot, Sargodha, Peshawar and Karachi, are famous for providing handmade solid and classic furniture lines.

"However, majority of the carpenters are not aware of the innovations that have been made over the years and how these latest tools can add much needed value to their products," he added. "PFC is also continuing its work to develop a Pakistani presence in more countries and to act as the focal point for Pakistani furniture designers and manufacturers to enter international market." Mian Kashif said the government should also provide more support to furniture business in terms of grants and interest free loans on easy terms of condition to small scale woodworkers for exhibiting and travelling to trade shows and promoting Pak export as a success globally.