by Mariam Raheem

 

LAHORE, Oct. 31 (Gwadar Pro) - In recent years, the furniture industry of Pakistan has become stronger and more competitive. The designing of Pakistan’s furniture is quite unique,so is the quality of wood. One of the leading furniture companies of Pakistan is Interwood Mobel. Omar Farooq, its CEO recently shared his thoughts on Pakistan’s furniture industry with Gwadar Pro recently.

 

He said that the potential of mutual benefits from a joint venture amongst Pakistani leading furniture companies and Chinese companies is very high. Due to strategic location of Pakistan, by availability of cheap labour and a growing economy,these JVs can avail a significant competitive edge in the local and overseas market.                          

 

Omar Farooq, CEO of Interwood Mobel

 

"Through mutual knowledge sharing and integration with modern technology by Chinese furniture companies, I am very positive that Pakistani furniture exports can reach up to the level of Chinese and Vietnam furniture industry. Financial inflows and help in managing plants to international standard can prove to be a game changer," Omar Farooq maintained.

 

Interwood Mobel imports raw materials like hardware, chair components, plastic and metal parts etc.from China. Omar Farooq believes that there are broad prospects for the development of furniture manufacturing in Pakistan. Furniture companies can benefit from setting up new factories and expanding existing operation in the nine Special Economic Zones under the framework of the CPEC. In addition, the package strongly encouraged by the government of Pakistan to develop the construction industry will increase the demand for all the products of their company by at least three to four times. Also due to heavy tariffs on imports, huge opportunities are likely to arise as the imported items would become more expensive giving local manufacturing entities a competitive edge.

 

Although Interwood Mobel's overall business declined during the challenging COVID-19 epidemic, retail business grew by 30 percent in the first quarter of this fiscal year, Omar Farooq further explained, "that’s because the company has a wide range of products and versatility, and produce six product ranges i.e. Kitchens, Doors, Wardrobes, Flooring, Office and Home Furniture. Moreover, our sales model caters for both Business to Business and Business to Customer category. "