MIFF Platform Helps SMEs Promote Furniture Exports

By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), which is now in its 22nd year, has helped small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the furniture industry worldwide meet and reach their customers. MIFF General Manager, Furniture and Interiors, Karen Goi, said this year 163 foreign companies would particiate in the fair compared with 150 in 2015. This proved that MIFF has benefited its exhibitors promote their furniture export products, including SMEs from Malaysia, China and Taiwan, Goi said. "For the first time, we have six Japanese companies participating in MIFF 2016. We are happy to note that they (Japanese) have received over 80 enquiries on the first day of the fair. "Apart from that, an Italian exhibitor has also informed us that the orders received since yesterday (Tuesday) had covered their investments put into MIFF 2016," she told Bernama. Meanwhile, Taiwanese exhibitor, Chueng Shine Co Ltd, said although there were many international fairs elsewhere like in the US, Germany and Japan, the company has always supported MIFF as it offerred a unique experience for the company in terms of meeting various buyers. Its Manager, Lawrance Lu, said the company has participated in MIFF for over 15 years ago when his father was in charge. "Back then, the Japanese made up about 50 per cent of our customer base. "Now, in my 10th year being here at MIFF 2016 as a second generation, it has decreased to about 30 per cent. Our focus has moved on to new markets mainly the West Asia, US, India and the European region customer base as demand is stronger there," said Lu. The company manufactures specialised office chairs, children's desks and training tables. Lu said despite the challenging economic climate, he expected MIFF 2016 to do better than last year and believed that extending contacts and network would do good for the company at the event. "We have not set a specific sales target because of what's been happening to the global economy but it doesn't matter to us, so long as we have the chance to meet more people, whether old, new and potential customers, we can talk to them and let them know about our products," Lu said. MIFF, which is held at the Putra World Trade Centre and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre here from March 1-5, 2016, is expected to attract visitors and buyers from 140 countries. -- BERNAMA