Strong Growth for Regional Furniture Industry as Asian Economy Strengthens so does the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2000

Furniture World Magazine

The regional furniture industry is beginning to experience strong growth, as the Asian economy picks up. A strong indication of investors' returned confidence in the region is clearly reflected in the overwhelming response received at the coming International Furniture Fair Singapore 2000. Attracting more than 500 exhibitors from 23 countries, International Furniture Fair Singapore 2000, held in conjunction with the 17th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS2000) is truly the definitive show of the regional furniture industry. With the theme "East meets West", IFFS/AFS2000 which aspires to become the "Cologne Show" of the East boasts an excellent showing from key international and regional industry players. The five-day show is scheduled to be held from 1-5 March 2000 at the Singapore Expo. Many exhibitors are returning to the show in a big way. The ASEAN/Asian participation has increased significantly, as compared with last year. China's participation will see a whopping increase of 300%, Thailand an increase of 94% and Hong Kong with an increase of 65%. International representatives have also increased their participation, with Denmark recording a rise of 160%, France an increase of 160% and United Kingdom with a rise of 200%. Representatives from Brazil, Canada and Poland will also make their debut at this millennium show. Mr John Jørgensen, Tvilum-Scanbirk Group, Denmark, a regular participant at the IFFS/AFS said, "We're glad to be back again this year at IFFS/AFS and in a bigger way than ever. We're optimistic about the Asian economic outlook and recognize the opportunities that abound in this region. IFFS/AFS is regarded as one of the most established shows in Asia, and provides an ideal marketing platform for international and regional furniture manufacturers to help tap these opportunities." "We're seeing more signs of economic recovery in the various industries. As the first and biggest trade event in the new millennium, the excellent response to the International Furniture Fair is a definite reflection of the returning confidence of international investors in the Asian economic environment," affirmed Mr Bert Choong, President of Singapore Furniture Industries Council. The millennium show will also address a growing trend of how technology has been integrated within the furniture industry and how the Internet will impact future business processes. An Information Technology (IT) display will be included at IFFS/AFS2000, showcasing the role that technology can play in enhancing the furniture manufacturing process - from design to manufacturing to marketing and distribution. "Technology is increasingly playing a bigger role in our lives, and in the new millennium, the Internet will continue to pervade our professional and private lives. I believe the furniture industry can benefit tremendously from the technological tools and resources - to not only help in the manufacturing process, but in the business process as well. We can expect more companies to leverage these technological advancements and become even more global in their operations," said Mr Bert Choong. With the positive response from exhibitors, coupled with the new technology component the organizers are confident that IFFS/AFS2000 will be a highly successful five-day event. In fact, the organizers have increased the exhibition space to 40,000 sqm, almost doubled that of last year's show, in order to meet the rising demands. IFFS/AFS '99 attracted a record 460 exhibitors from 22 countries and 15,688 buyers from 104 countries. The spot order sales for IFFS/AFS '99 amounted to record US$189 million despite the economic downturn in Asia. Exhibitors also recorded US$810 million in projected sales for the next 12 months following the Fair. With a proven track record, organizers are optimistic about the outlook at the 2000 Fair. Organized by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, IFFS/AFS 2000 has received strong governmental and trade association support from around the world. Endorsed and supported by the Singapore Trade Development Board (TDB) and Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), IFFS/AFS is the only recognized furniture trade event that is held in Singapore. It has been granted Approved International Fair (AIF) status by TDB and SECB and was recently classified as one of the seven Mega Trade Events in Singapore, in recognition of its role of promoting trade within the region and internationally. In addition, IFFS/AFS is also the first international furniture fair in Asia to be accepted as a member of the prestigious Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), a Paris-based international body of trade fair organizers. Its endorsement testifies to the quality and high standard of the fair. With the support of global industry players, coupled with a strong recognition and proven track record of over 16 years, IFFS/AFS 2000 is set to see a tremendous growth in its role toward promoting the international furniture trade, and an event not to be missed in the new millennium. Formed in 1981, SFIC represents and promotes the interest of the furniture industry in Singapore. It is also the Chairman and Secretariat of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council. E-mail:iffs@singaporefurniture.com Website:www.iffs.com.sg