Furniture industry targets US$ 1 billion business volume at Istanbul Furniture Fair

Manufacturers and suppliers of furniture are expecting a business volume of US 1 billion thanks to the Istanbul Furniture Fair held in CNR EXPO Istanbul, between 6 and 11 November 2018. An approximate number of 90 thousand buyers from 85 countries are reported to have visited the exhibition. More than 350 companies representing 75 percent of the furniture industry in Turkey, participated in the fair during which VIP purchasing committees were also hosted.

Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Trade delivered a speech saying the furniture industry had a potential of US$ 10 billion and exports accounted for 30 percent of this figure, only. He also pointed out that the global potential of US$ 200 billion showed how promising the future of the sector was.

He added that in order for Turkey to increase its share in the world market “R & D, innovation, design and branding were required and the government was always ready to provide support for industrialists. He went on to say the following; “The furniture exports of Turkey is restricted to Europe, Middle East and Central Asia. We must be in new markets.

Referring to the importance of the designers to take part in the fair, he said, “Design is very important for value-added exports. We have a support program in both design and product development. We attach great importance to the furniture industry and we are ready to support your for every need. We will open TTMs (Turkish Trade Centers) in 35 more countries. Let’s open TTM in the USA with our furniture dealers”.