MALAYSIA SET TO BECOME GLOBAL DESIGN DESTINATION FOR FURNITURE

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is one of the world's top 10
players in quality furniture manufacturing.

Now, the country is poised to make the leap to being recognised as a design
destination for creative design and innovation in the global furniture industry,
says Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chief executive
officer, Noharuddin Nordin.

He said the Malaysian furniture industry is ideally placed to
meet the growing demand for greater creativity and variety of high fashion
design furniture.

"Having carved a presence in the global furniture arena, the Malaysian
furniture industry is moving ahead, making inroads into high fashion design
furniture.

"With modern technology revolutionising this industry, allowing for exports
of high quality in large volumes, the Malaysian furniture industry has taken a
step higher and is increasingly emphasising on design, creativity and
innovation," he added in a statement Wednesday.

Meanwhile, six Malaysian companies, organised and led by Matrade,
participated in the 1 Saloni 2011 furniture show in Milan, Italy from April
12-17.

The Malaysian companies received a total of 230 enquiries about their
products at the show which is the largest and most renowned for showcasing new
and innovative furniture design products.