KARACHI: All Pakistan Furniture Exporters Association (APFEA) urged government to remove snags hampering export of furniture and take steps to curb sheesham wood smuggling in garb of raw material. Senior member APFEA, Maqbool Sheikh said the industry was also facing sheesham wood depletion due to low plantation and illegal cutting of trees. Export of furniture during January-July 2016 declined $3.90 million to $69 million compared to $93 million in same period last year. “Our exports declined due to three-fold rise in cost of timber used for furniture export and competition with foreign exporters. Re-constitution of Federal timber board, comprising private and public sector members is necessary to restructure sheesham wood plantation and ban its illegal export. Utility costs, improper wood seasoning, sub standard finishing, packing, poor designs, quality and not meeting world standard are other hindrances in enhancing exports. He said APFEA planned Export Strategy 2018. This sector could touch more than $850 million export target by year 2017 if provided training centers for skill workmanship, women development schemes and high tech machinery. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) should support exporters of furniture at international furniture exhibitions. Exports to Italy, France, USA were around 55% of total exports. Pakistani foreign missions should explore new avenues and holding fairs in their respective countries.