The Furnex 2010 exhibition demonstrated that Egypt is becoming a global source for furniture, Nesma Nowar reports Hundreds of global and local buyers gathered in Cairo to meet top Egyptian furniture manufacturers at the Furnex Egypt 2010 exhibition that ended Monday. The exhibition included more than 200 Egyptian manufacturers presenting their latest products and production capabilities to buyers from all over the world. It showcased a broad range of furniture, including classic, modern, ethnic and contemporary styles. The event is considered one of several initiatives aimed at increasing Egyptian furniture exports from $260 million in 2007 to $1 billion by 2012. The industry push also looks to double total production over the period, from $1 billion to $2 billion, and expand the sector's one million-strong labour force. But this year, exporters are negatively affected by the depreciation of the Euro as a result of the crisis in the Eurozone, meaning that Egyptian exports to the European Union have become more expensive. According to Mohsen Badawy, owner of Ferforge, a decorative ironworks company, the number of foreigners visiting the exhibition this year is clearly less than in previous years. He said this is because the decline in the Euro led to an increase of prices of 30 per cent. "The local market now is very important to us, as exporters have been negatively affected by [international] crises," he noted. Badawy further added that the government is encouraging the furniture industry in an attempt to make Egypt a major furniture exporting country, like Italy and other developed countries. He believes that the majority of exports from developed markets depend on small and medium-sized companies. "The government has an orientation towards increasing small and medium sized industry," he said. Meanwhile, according to Emad Anwar, general manager of the Chamber of Wood Working and Furniture Industries (CWWFI), this year's exhibition demonstrated better quality products. He praised the government's efforts to support the furniture industry in Egypt, seeing the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase Egypt's manufacturing and design knowhow. The exhibition featured a mix of products, including classic design, flooring, kitchen design, lighting, office furniture, outdoor furniture, textiles and modern products. The event was organised by the Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink), a non-profit private sector association promoting Egyptian industry.
