DTI eyes Korea market for Phl furniture exports

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is opening new markets for Philippine furniture exporters by providing support in their participation to the Korea International Furniture and Interior Fair (KOFURN) 2018.

In a statement yesterday, DTI said it has assisted 10 companies to take part in the KOFURN which is being held from Aug. 29 until Sept. 2, at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Gyeonggi, South Korea.

The 10 companies which received support from the DTI are Azcor Lighting Systems, Calfurn Manufacturing Philippines, Country Accents, Filipino Creazione De Mano, Furnitureville, Markline Home Furnitures, More Than A Chair, Natures Legacy Eximport, Venzon Lighting Manufacturing and Weavemanila.

Participation in the KOFURN is expected to allow Philippine furniture makers to tap new markets as the event is dubbed as the largest furniture exhibition in South Korea.

The event features home, office and kitchen, as well as interior furniture including the woodworking industry and a design competition.

More than 350 firms are expected to display samples of contemporary bed furniture, office furniture, kitchen and bath products, sofas, lightings, carpets and flooring, wall coverings, textiles, raw materials, accessories and outdoor furniture for residential and commercial interiors and woodworking machinery for furniture and related products and publications during the event.

Nearly 50,000 visitors, both from the domestic and overseas fronts, are also expected for the KOFURN.

Apart from the Philippines, other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are also taking part in the event.

South Korea is among the top markets for Philippine exports.

Last year, exports to South Korea from the Philippines reached $4.3 billion.