Turkish ambassador encourages country's 'world-class' furniture sector to penetrate Qatar market, noting affinity between Turkish aesthetic considerations and local designs, common cultural background
Aimee Bellah
DOHA, Qatar
,
February 20, 2014
(Qatar Tribune)
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TURKEY is a major manufacturer of household furniture, but is perhaps not as well known for this industry, as it ought to be due to a lack of media attention, Turkish Ambassador to Qatar HE Ahmet Demirok has said.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of a reception to welcome a Turkish furniture dealers'delegation, Demirok noted that the furniture made in the country was among the best in the world.
"We have a high quality furniture sector in Turkey, and the designs, which are characteristic to Turkish manufacturers are really world-class."
However, Demirok noted that Turkish furniture companies are not well reported in the international media for their world-class products, as ought to be the case.
He said,"Perhaps our companies have not invested enough into promoting their excellent products abroad."
While the delegation is seeking to cooperate with local businesses, the ambassador noted that options like making the furniture available to local consumers were in consideration. In this regard, he hinted of the possibility of furniture manufacturers from Turkey participating in local trade fairs, which he said,"is a good idea".
This would be especially fruitful, given that many in Qatar already know furniture from Turkey. Underlining this fact, Demirok said that"the Qatari people have made many investments in Turkey as well, and are buying properties there, so they already use Turkish furniture at those houses in Turkey, and they can buy it for their houses here as well."
In addition, there is a certain affinity between Turkish aesthetic considerations and local designs, according to Demirok, due to the common cultural background between Qatar and Turkey.
"The similarities between the two cultures are a good asset for Turkish manufacturers. Perhaps designs from other European countries might not match the expectations of Qataris like Turkish designs," he said.
The visit of the Turkish furniture delegation is organised by Modef Fair Organisation of Turkey. About 15 Turkish companies with 17 delegates from the Inegol district of Bursa City, Turkey are taking part in the two-day furniture sector trade visit.
The furniture industry in Turkey is very dynamic and this has resulted in the international competitiveness of the manufacturers, particularly when it comes to quality, design and price. At present, around 25 percent of the $6 billion worth of furniture production in Turkey is marketed across global markets. Inegol district constitutes 35 percent of this and the aim is to hit $1 billion in exports in 2014.
The woodworking art in Inegol goes back to the early 20th century. With more than 260 large scale factories, 1,000 showrooms and 1,500 production centres, Inegol has maintained its position as the largest furniture producer and exporter in Turkey. Current export statistics show that there are around 300 Inegol furniture companies exporting their products to over 110 countries across the globe.
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