Bigger MIFF attracts international buyers

This year's show spans over 80,000m2 and features 509 exhibitors. MIFF chairman Dato Dr Tan Chin Huat says: "The show is 25% bigger this year. There was very strong demand after our record sales performance of US$830m last year. We have added more space at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC). One of the new attractions is the Muar Hall. Here, I am delighted to officially welcome the Muar Furniture Association (MFA) which has decided to participate exclusively in MIFF. This is a wonderful endorsement from the furniture capital of Malaysia."  ekonglong furniture

Since its inception in 1995, MIFF has become a top 10 global industry show. Last year, Malaysia shipped approximately US$2.7b of - mostly hardwood - furniture products around the world.

"In 2012, Malaysian furniture was exported to 199 countries worldwide and valued at RM8b - an increase of 4.3% compared to 2011," says Malaysia's Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities YB Tan Sri Bernard Dompok. "Furniture exports to the US - the largest market - in 2012 recorded an increase of 10.9% compared to 2011. Another significant development in 2012 was the growth of furniture exports to the ASEAN countries. Exports to Vietnam in 2012 recorded the highest growth rate at 86.8%."

MIFF is event organiser UBM's largest furniture show outside China. "We see a bright future in the exhibition industry in Malaysia," says president and CEO of UBM Asia Jime Essink. "It has the potential of reaching US$200m by 2020, from US$123m in 2011."

The event, which ends on Saturday, also features various seminars, as well as the MIFF Furniture Design Competition.