Pakistani furniture draws crowds at Dongguan expo

From March 15 to 19, the 53rd International Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan), a premier global event for the home furnishing industry, is showcasing over 1,200 top-tier brands from around the world. Among the exhibitors, Nuer Pakistan, a Pakistani furniture enterprise, is making its debut with the display of traditional craftsmanship that has drawn the attention of bustling crowds.

Their collection features intricately designed rosewood tables and chairs with copper inlays, fruit baskets and decorative copper artefacts in the shapes of deer, horses and swans, as well as copper vases and onyx vessels. “The exhibition has served as a cultural bridge, introducing Chinese buyers and designers to Pakistan’s rich heritage of furniture making,” said Shahbaz, a representative of Nuer Pakistan.

Expressing his delight at the overwhelming response, Shahbaz remarked, “The foot traffic at the expo has been incredible. We are very hopeful because we have had some good discussions about orders.”

Spanning more than one million square metres, the fair is a melting pot of global design, home furnishings, materials and art. It brings together resources from across the furniture supply chain, including design, customisation, outdoor decor and artistic aesthetics.

For Pakistani businessmen, the event is not only a platform to learn from the best but also an opportunity to explore potential collaborations and partnerships.

Pakistan’s furniture industry, while rich in tradition and craftsmanship, faces challenges in modernisation and scalability. According to industry reports, Pakistan’s furniture industry is worth around $1 billion, with exports accounting for only a small fraction of this value.

In contrast, China dominates as the world’s largest furniture producer and exporter, with furniture and parts exports reaching $67.884 billion in 2024. Shahbaz highlighted the potential for growth through collaboration. “In China, there are numerous opportunities for every kind of business. Pakistan lacks advanced technology and machinery, but we have cheap labour and abundant wood resources. Here, we can learn new ways to improve our modernisation,” he said. He also noted the potential for Chinese investment in Pakistan. “We welcome Chinese machinery manufacturers to invest in Pakistan, teach us how to use advanced equipment and improve our production processes,” he concluded.