Scores of foreign furniture investors, makers and buyers have shown keen interest for participation in 10th 3- days mega “Interior Pakistan” exhibition being held on December 14 here at Expo Center. “Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) had already successfully organized nine consecutive exhibitions in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and this time again, furniture gala will not only give impetus to local furniture industry but also boost furniture export,” these views were expressed by PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq while chairing board of directors meeting here on Friday. He said so far various corporate companies hailing from China, Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia have contacted PFC and shown keen interest in participation of this mega event. The council expects that more than 50 leading foreign and local companies and interior designers will display their products while as many as 200,000 to 250,000 visitors to visit this mega exhibition. He said this exhibition will also provide the younger designers and architects to study the new market trends and display their own work alongside that of more established professionals. “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,” he added. Mian Kashif Ashfaq for the convenience of all exhibitors, Manager Marketing PFC Zeeshan Rathor has been appointed as focal person to establish close liaison with local and foreign participants in this regard. He further said in order to ensure prompt flow of information, a special desk, will be established for print and electronic media to provide them free of cost all available facilities. Pakistan’s wood industry is well developed and captures 95% of the country’s total market for furniture. The country has more than 700 units of wooden furniture with Chiniot, alone meets 80% of furniture demand in the country, Gujarat, with world-class furniture, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi being important centers. Published in Daily Times, November 17th 2018.