Turkey's annual furniture exports reach $1 billion (01.02.2008)

Turkey's leading furniture manufacturers convened Wednesday at the Istanbul Furniture Fair 2008 in CNR Expo Fair Center, where the Association of Turkish Furniture Manufacturers (MOSDER) met with the European Association of Furniture Manufacturers (EFIC) to discuss the future of the furniture market in Europe, reported Turkish Daily News.

"Turkey's furniture export volume reached to $1 billion last year, as it exported to more than 100 countries, an outstanding achievement. It is possible to do more, as half of Turkey's exports go to EU countries. But Turkey needs to increase the efficiency of its labor force and logistics and has to comply with EU standards., said Ali Ozkan, Vice President of MOSDER, which represents nearly 70% of the Turkish furniture sector.

Ali Ozkan also warned that Turkish firms could face sanctions if they do not comply with EU standards, while noting that China has become 'the biggest threat for Turkish products.'

Paolo Boffi, the president of EFIC, meanwhile, noted the EU's expectations of Turkish producers. Apart from compliance with EU standards, Boffi said that Turkey has to take precautions on workers' health and security, create authentic designs, protect intellectual property rights and strengthen social dialogue between employees and employers.