The Asian Furniture and Interior Decor Fair (AFF) 2004

Furniture World Magazine

The Asian Furniture and Interior Decor Fair (AFF) 2004 will this year be running in tandem with Furniture China 2004, a furniture exhibition that is staged in the world’s largest furniture market. International buyers will therefore be able to make the most of their trip by taking in both exhibitions, and the timing is perfect for them to plan their next year’s product range. Taking advantage of the particularly appealing designs from the energetic, innovative young designers of the Orient. A number of these respected designers will be attending the show. And the companies who have made their vision become a reality will be showcasing some of the products they have manufactured that have not before been put on public display. Understandably, they do not want to release details at this time of exactly what they will debut before the show’s grand opening, due to the intense competition in the market. But visitors to the show should be prepared to expect some surprises. The AFF itself has this year expanded in scope and size, and will be moving to bigger halls at Thailand’s largest exhibition and conference venue, the IMPACT Center in Bangkok. The Asian Furniture and Interior Decor Fair is one of the most respected trade exhibitions in Southeast Asia, and the show will roll into Bangkok again from 14-19 September. The furniture and décor that buyers will have access to at AFF will enter the homes, hotels, and offices of the world, and is expected to garner more international awards, as it has in previous years. Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) notes that the world economy is slated to increase by 4.1 percent in 2004. This recovery is expected to lead to an increase in exports to Thailand’s main markets, including the US, the EU, ASEAN, Japan, and China. Thailand’s main export sectors are electrical appliances, electronic goods, furniture, food products, jewellery, and precious stones. All of these should benefit from the global recovery, and the NESDB predict a growth in export volume of 17 percent overall. It also estimates that on the home front, Thailand’s GDP growth in 2004 will be around 7 percent. Thailand’s furniture industry is continuing to grow and develop, and will proceed onwards to capitalise on this healthy growth. The furniture and interior décor products that emanate from Thailand and Asia make innovative use of all the locally available materials such as rattan, bamboo, wicker, parawood, water hyacinth, marble, and stone, as well as metals and plastics. Furniture from Asia is well-made, it is cheaper than like products found in developed countries. Furniture designed for the home, restaurants and hotels, offices, for children, for the garden, and more will be on display. The exhibition is strongly supported by the Thai Furniture Industries Association Asian and the Thai Gifts & Premiums Association. Whether representatives from international companies have visited the Asian region before or not, this year more than ever before a visit is definitely in order. If buyers from overseas markets do not wish to be left out in the cold next season they should think about offering some of the cost-effective furniture, furnishings, and interior décor to their customers that they will find in Thailand at the Asian Furniture and Interior Decor Fair 2004.