Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammed, Head of Tourism Committee in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), called for the need to launch strategies for the development of furniture and décor industry with annual volume of SR11 billion. He made the call during the inauguration of the four-day 7th DecoFair that hosts over 100 Saudi, regional and international companies from 20 countries. He noted that DecoFair, in its seventh edition, has become a platform for major international companies acquiring share of the Saudi or Gulf market. He underlined the need to take advantage of the current momentum in the Kingdom to diversify its production base, pointing to the importance of developing local furniture industry, which faces multiple challenges out of which is dumping with low quality products and inequitable competition, which loom fast exit of investors. He pointed out the strategic partnership program, which was launched recently by The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, aiming to attract leading Western companies to boost local production and enhance the added value of the national economy. Moreover, he noted organizers interest paid to Saudi youth talents through organizing gardens' designs contests to maintain the beauty desired in the society. Haya Sunaidi, chairman of Reed Sunaidi, organizer of DecoFair, said in this edition of DecoFair, exhibitors showcased latest developments in the furniture and décor industry worldwide, remarking that DecoFair hosts several sections to bring about the desired integration of the modern Saudi house. Sunaidi explained that in addition to furniture and accessory sections, other sections focus on lighting, ceramic, kitchen tools and various health facilities. She pointed out that DecoFair hosts over 100 exhibitors offering the latest advancements in the industry, commenting that Saudi family interests vary between classic and contemporary, which are presented in DecoFair. Talaat Abdul Rahman exhibition manager said this year DecoFair has remarkable enrichment based on the previous six editions' experiences marked by quantitative and qualitative significance. He noted that the exhibition has become a major platform in the Middle East to introduce the latest global trends in the field, and expected that DecoFair will witness major deals especially with the teem experiences, specifically from artistic trends of France, Italy, Egypt, Kuwait, UAE, Turkey, Bahrain and Britain. He added the exhibition management is always keen to host companies that have credibility in market to showcase different offerings for those interested both in the real estate field or other fields. Abdul Rahman expressed his thanks to all Saudi and international companies participating in the exhibition, stressing that they are partners of the success achieved and looking forward to seeing them next year with the addition of new touches on the exhibition. Noha Yahya president of Notre Art said that their participation comes as Saudi market it is the largest market in the Gulf region and represents an excellent opportunity. "We usually sell our products through distributors in the kingdom and we are here today to introduce Notre Art to Saudi market as our first step to Arab and international expansion". Mohammed Farouk director of export services at Egyptian Furniture Export Council said that this year Egyptian pavilion is has a unique location; organizers are very cooperative as usual. There are nine Egyptian companies. This year for our first time there are two companies for chandelier and one for Candles as first participation in Egyptian pavalion. Artistico and Randa Fahmy exhibited at 6th DecoFair. "Last year DecoFair was a great success to all the Egyptian exhibitors which reflects Saudi market interest in Egyptian furniture. Our expectations for this year are greater as we received positive comments though it is still first day." We also invite Saudi visitors to attend Egypt's International Furniture and Home Furnishings Trade Fair "Furnex Egypt 16" on Feb. 4- 7, 2016, where the Council, in cooperation with the Egyptian Exporters Association, provides visitors from the Kingdom air tickets, three nights accommodation in 4/5 hotels, transportation from and to airport and from hotel and exhibition. — SG
