MIFF 2015 Sees Biggest Participation Of Countries

By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2015 has seen the biggest participation of countries as exhibitors, including Bulgaria and Finland, says its General Manager, Furniture and Interiors, Karen Goi. She said MIFF had a strong network and promotional activities at the global level and due the good organisational reputation of the event over 21 years, it had managed to draw 15 countries this year compared with 13 in 2014. Of the 508 exhibitors, 138 were new, with 46 were from Malaysia. "We have two companies, representing Bulgaria and Finland, and they approached us to not only become exhibitors, but also network and learn about the industry from various aspects as metal and wood-related products," she told Bernama. Goi said MIFF 2015 provided a good opportunity for them to meet potential buyers away from their region and other parts of the world under one roof. The five-day MIFF 2015 which began Tuesday has attracted 66 buyers from the United Kingdom and over 100 from Japan and others from ASEAN, the Middle East and Africa. Asked about the possibility of securing partnerships between local and international companies, Goi said there had been encouraging discussions with some companies, namely from Taiwan and Japan. "Malaysia has a strong manufacturing base and 80 per cent of our furniture exports are wood-based. So, with the quality, consistency and punctuality in delivery of products, I see a great potential to collaborate with these overseas companies," she added. She said Malaysian companies should also take the opportunity to learn directly from the Taiwanese and Japanese at MIFF 2015 as they possess more advanced furniture designs and technology in the metal and wood material sector. She also said it was timely to invite more international exhibitors to come to Malaysia, especially with the country being the ASEAN chair this year. Goi also disclosed that the MIFF may be expanded once the new hall at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) is ready. It is slated for completion by 2016. "With a larger venue, we can make Malaysia the best platform and gateway for the international market into Southeast Asia," she said. Meanwhile, Darin Bozhkov who represented Bulgaria through his company Usta Darin Ltd, said he was interested in learning more about the furniture trends in Malaysia. Another international exhibitor from Italy, Massimo Borgna, the General Manager of Antique Mirror SRL said he was at MIFF 2015 to meet potential buyers locally and internationally. The Italian company which specialises in designing hand-made mirrors has made contacts with over 10 potential buyers and hopes to link-up with more at the end of the event. -- BERNAMA