Turkish furnishing manufacturers are focusing increased attention on the Egyptian market as a North African supply hub and say plans for retail centers, agency representation and regional headquarters are high on their Cairo expansion agenda.
Two leading Turkish companies—Kilim Furniture and Hisar Tesktil Pazarlama—plan to launch their bid for the Egyptian market at Index Cairo, the international furniture and design exhibition, which will be held at the Cairo International Conference Center (CICC) in June.
Kayseri-based Kilim, which produces household furniture, is making its North African exhibition debut at Index Cairo. “So far we aren't represented in the Middle East at all and we will be hoping at the show to find representation, to source suitable sites for retail centers and regional offices,” said Kilim's Export Manager Ahmet Apaydin. “The Middle East is a strategic area for world trade and we believe the market will develop.”
Istanbul's Hisar Tekstil Pazarlama, which produces upholstery fabrics and multi-purpose rugs, believes North Africa's own furnishing product sector will develop and will need overseas component suppliers. “So far we have been supplying regional customers direct but now need local representation,” said Mehmet Emin Sancar, Hisar's Marketing & Sales executive. “Egypt in particular is putting more investment into furnishing technology and is a developing market.”
The two companies are among eight Turkish exhibitors taking part in Index Cairo 2002. The exhibition, which will run from June 4-7, will feature more than 50 companies from 10 countries with first time representation from Brazil. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
