Possible Solutions for the Shortcomings and Obstacles

At company level

In-house training programmes should be organized. This will create awareness among the employees and equip them with the latest skills and techniques. This will improve the quality of labor and as a result, better quality furniture would be produced.

At country level

EPB/TDAP should give attention to this sector by organizing exhibitions, seminars, inviting delegates from abroad for the exchange of knowledge. Until now, the exhibitions organized have produced no results. The participation fee for these exhibitions should be minimum. More incentives should be given for participation. Proper marketing should be done before the exhibition. No fee should be involved in putting up stalls. Without proper planning by EPB/TDAP, the majority lose great opportunities. EPB/TDAP should also do market surveys and stop the Forest Department from stealing wood and exporting it illegally. The newsletters and other advertising done by EPB/TDAP is not enough.

Labor law should be introduced which would put restriction that no company can take way other company’s labor by offering good options. Some of them are also moving abroad.

Re-plantation of forests should take place; this would reduce the cost of production.

Display houses should be made in various exporting countries where Pakistani furniture can be displayed. In this way, the foreign buyers can get a chance to physically see, feel and check the product. In addition, the exporters will not have to make a lot of effort in putting up shops.

The government should pay attention to potential big empty places ideal for setting up workshops such as the Bin Qasim Industrial Zone. This would definitely solve the problem of less space for storing furniture.

SMEDA, Chamber of Commerce and Industries and APFEA should pay special attention.

Loan facilities should be given. The rates of loans should be reduced so that every exporter can benefit from it and have more running capital.

The government should import the latest machinery for furniture exporters. Duties should be reduced to a minimum. This would greatly help in improving production.