World Furniture Expo 2023

WOFX – World Furniture Expo 2023 cemented its status as the leading catalyst for the Indian furniture and design sector over three days of exciting networking, cutting-edge innovations, and cross-border deals.

WOFX 2023, which took place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from 28 to 30, was officially opened by the following people: Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of the Retailers Association of India (RAI); Huzefa Samplewala, President of the Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Traders; Ar. Abhay Purohit, President of the Council of Architecture (COA); and Ketan Ramesh Sheth, Chairperson of the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID).

Representatives from several embassies and international trade organisations were in attendance, including the High Commission for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, the Vietnam Trade Office in New Delhi, the Consulate of Turkey, and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

WOFX became more than just an exhibition; it became a vibrant forum that brought together Indian experts leading companies and innovators worldwide. Over 12,052 buyers from 20 nations and 22 states in India attended WOFX 2023, drawn by more than 200 companies and exhibitors from more than 13 countries. The newest global trends, technologies, and design inspirations were showcased to both domestic and foreign buyers, and suppliers from over 13 countries—including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Bangladesh, France, Italy, and India—met with representatives from the furniture industry, sourcing experts, and real estate companies to leverage India’s rapidly expanding market.

The commercial opportunities at WOFX pleased buyers as well as exhibitors. Director of Voila Paris, France, Louis Gossart says, “This is our first time exhibiting in India. The response has exceeded our expectations with excellent buyer footfall at our booth comprising industry professionals. We have already received quite a few onsite orders and are looking forward to coming back to WOFX next year with a bigger booth.”

Chris Lim, AGM of AH Hai Industries, Malaysia says, “We have received hot leads from Developers, Architects, Engineers, Interior Designers, and Import and Export Traders. Our buyer footfall was really good and we received on-site orders during the exhibition as well.”

Industry professionals like Puneet Sethi, Principal Architect, Planner & Valuer, IAD Studio says, “I’m quite happy with the products I’ve seen over the last 3 days from India and from across the world. WOFX is very good for industry professionals, keeping us informed of new developments, innovations and technologies from across the world.”

Overseas visitors like Asad Tarifi, General Manager, Zahrat Amman Industries, Sharjah, and UAE says, “This is the 1st time I have come to Mumbai. I’m pleased to visit WOFX as I found what I was looking for over here. WOFX is excellent not only for bringing manufacturers and suppliers from across the world but for presenting a range of furniture from these countries. I was pleased to connect with many companies whom I am interested in trading with and to make deals with them.”

India’s real estate and hospitality sectors are expected to drive the country’s furniture market, which is expected to reach US$ 26.85 billion by 2028. As things stand now, WOFX is the only business and networking platform devoted to expanding opportunities for the furniture and décor sectors. Dewan Atif Rashid, MD of Bangladesh Furniture Industries says “We made a good decision for participating at WOFX because the demand from the market here for our products is enormous. We could not believe that there is such a demand for products which we already make. We have received good enquiries not only from Mumbai but other cities across India and have good leads to work for the coming year.”

Shaping the future of furniture and design was WOFX’s mission, not just about sales. Smart workshops such as “Business Pulse” provided tactical direction, and “Design Talk” explored state-of-the-art technologies including AI-powered design and BIM-enabled paperless design. Current production and import laws were covered in the “BIS Certifications” seminar. Attendees left these workshops with the inspiration and knowledge to push the industry’s limits.

Rajesh Bhagat, Chairman & Managing Director of Worldex India, the organiser of WOFX says, “The Indian furniture and design industry is booming. But what is required is focused support through increased interactions with international suppliers to take the industry forward in terms of global designs, products, materials and quality. Through its unique platform, WOFX facilitates industry growth via international networking and showcasing brands empowering our exhibitors to establish a strong presence in the global furniture industry and for those seeking to build strong local and global partnerships.”

The esteemed WOFX Awards recognised remarkable design, inventive products, and outstanding booth design among Indian and foreign contestants. This honour, which was given out by well-known designers and architects, strengthened WOFX’s position as a hub for innovative design and a platform for future growth. Important trade associations for the sector, such as the Council of Architecture (COA), Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), Retailers Association of India (RAI), Association of Furniture Manufacturers & Traders (AFMT), and Purchasing Professional Forum of India (PPFI), have endorsed WOFX.

WOFX is the link between furniture and design in the present and the future, having created a global stir with its dynamic networking possibilities, smart knowledge sharing, and dedication to innovation.

In 2024, WOFX will continue this pace, acting as a revolutionary force that will completely reshape the Indian furniture market. Through global connections, innovations, and knowledge exchange, WOFX will enable the Indian industry to advance from regional to worldwide enterprise.

For more info visit : http://wofxworldexpo.com

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