Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand to cooperate in developing furniture

mcot.net, 13 March 2009 

BANGKOK, March 13 (TNA) – Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand have agreed to cooperate in developing products, particularly household furnishings and furniture, with the goal of positioning the product in markets around the world, according to Department of Export Promotion (DEP) Director-General Rachane Potjanasuntorn. 

Leaders of the three countries discussed their concerns in the matter during the ASEAN Summit recently held Thailand’s Cha-am resort. 

Mr. Rachane said state agencies concerned with intra-ASEAN trade affairs will meet soon to lay a tangible framework for their expanding cooperation. 

He said that Thai furnishings and furniture had been recognised in quality terms by large- and medium- size markets as well as new markets. 

Although many countries had been affected by the global economic meltdown, he believed opportunities and demands for Thai furniture would remain sound this year. 

It is expected the export of industrial products would grow 3-5 per cent with a total value of Bt45 billion this year. 

“The commerce ministry is still confident that furniture exports will expand satisfactorily,” he said, “but we are more concerned about a labour shortage in furniture production. 

 “As far as I have seen, the number of employees in the furniture industry has not been cut back. In contrast, the demand for labour in the sector has increased,” he said. (TNA)