Growing with the construction sector, the furnishings, finishes and outfitters industry is expecting to grow double digit in 2017.
A member of the Philippine Constructors’ Association (PCA), the furnishing and furniture industry is composed of mostly micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs).
Association chairman Jorge Consunji said furnishings and furnitures have been posting growth year-on-year due to bullish prospects and increased activities in infrastructure and construction in the country.
“A big part of our role in PCA as a trade organization is to stay in touch with trends – both local and global – so that we can steer our members and the rest of the industry to where business opportunities are,” he said Monday.
“Right now, the market for furnishings and finishing is strong because there’s a lot of demand for new office, residential, and retail development. This is why you see foreign brands like IKEA coming into the country,” he added.
Drawing from sustained confidence in the Philippine property sector as well as the completion of various projects all across the archipelago, the interior and fit-out construction industry is more than optimistic about its prospects for the year.
The local construction industry right now is using both imported and local furnishings and finishes, but the drive to use more of locally produced furnishings is gaining ground with the government campaign to localize more industries.
Consunji said the association’s experience in running trade shows has given their organization a sense of duty to the industry, always ensuring that there is a venue for suppliers.
“We want our local talents and interior finishes to get exposure and to get their own slice of this market. This is why we are a staging a furnishing show, to serve as their business platform.,” he said.
The Philippine Constructors Association is responsible for over 70 percent of the annual construction turnover in the country.