The Serbian furniture industry recorded EUR 152 million in export over the first 3 quarters of 2011, which is 20 percent more than in the same period last year, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Trade Dusan Petrovic said on Monday, opening the International Fair of Furniture, Equipment and Interior Decoration.

That industry displayed a high level of vitality and skill, despite the economic crisis and challenges it faces, Petrovic noted. There are 650 companies in that sector, employing over 14,300 people, he remarked, adding that the salaries in that industry are low and below the national average.

The fair will be open until November 20. It will also include a display of machines and tools for working with wood. There are 500 participants. Besides Serbian, the fair also includes companies from 20 other European countries, like Austria, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Republika Srpska, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Slovenia, Croatia.

Domestic furniture industry marks export growth

Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management Dusan Petrovic today stated that during the first nine months this year the furniture industry exported goods to the amount of € 152 million, which is 20% up against the same period last year.

Opening the 49th International fair of furniture, equipment and interior decoration, Petrovic underlined that this important economic branch demonstrated immense vitality and ability, despite the economic crisis and the difficulties it is faced with.

There are 650 companies operating in this sector, where 14,300 people work, the Minister specified, adding that salaries in this branch are below the state average.

The exhibition will last until 20 November with around 500 exhibitors from Serbia and abroad, presenting the latest trends in production, design and marketing.

Foreign exhibitors include companies from Slovenia, Turkey, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Austria, Germany, Greece, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Denmark.

Special emphasis will be placed on Serbian furniture and the presentation of this year’s assortment, plans for the future and cooperation with foreign partners.

An International exhibition of machines, tools and materials for the timber industry is being held at the Belgrade Fairgrounds parallel to the furniture exposition.