Malaysian furniture exports are predicted to grow by a further 10% in 2004.
The increase is expected on the back of the industry’s best year for exports – M$5.7bn in 2003.
Tan Chin Huat, managing director of Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) Sdn Bhd, said growth this year was in line with the world furniture industry’s predicted 8% expansion.
He was speaking at a preview for MIFF, also attended by primary industries minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik, who has set an M$7bn export target for the industry to meet by 2005.
Dr Lim warned companies not to be complacent as China, Poland, Vietnam and other countries were making inroads on the world trade.
The five-day MIFF will start on March 2 and is expected to attract about 400 exhibitors and 6,000 visitors. Up to 40% of the industry’s annual exports are agreed on at the event.
