TIFS to Be a Common Asian Platform for High-end Furniture Products

During the two years in which he has served as chairman of the Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers' Association (TFMA), Ruca Chien has done his best to help restore the strength of the island's furniture industry following a constant outmigration of manufacturers over the past two decades or so.

Chien has been involved in the furniture industry for more than 40 years and, as founder of the Ruca Corp. (a maker of furniture), has weathered the industry's ups and downs over the years. He believes that the situation in Taiwan will now improve as growing numbers of Taiwanese manufacturers in China return to Taiwan in response to rising land and labor costs in the mainland.

The president and his association plan to help with the revival of the industry. “Organizing international furniture shows is one of the most effective things we can do to promote Taiwan's furniture industry and consolidate the strength of Taiwanese furniture makers both at home and abroad,” he comments. “So TFMA will do its best to prepare for the upcoming Taipei International Furniture Show (TIFS), which will be held on Mar. 11-14, 2011”.

“Frankly speaking, TIFS has lost its luster in recent years because of shrinking participation caused by the exodus of domestic manufacturers and steep competition from other international furniture shows that are emerging in China and the countries of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.”

“TIFS will have its 21st edition in 2011, when it will celebrate the centennial of the Republic of China by featuring a theme hall presenting the history of furniture development in Taiwan and masterpieces of furniture made over the past century. In addition, several separate exhibition areas will be designated for the display of glass furniture, branded furniture, and ecology- and environmentally-oriented green furniture.

“So far exhibitors have booked 900 standard booths for 2011 TIFS, and most of them promise to present their newly developed products. We hope that TIFS will become known as an Asian common platform for high-end, quality furniture products.”

Chien emphasizes that although between 80% and 90% of the furniture manufacturers formerly operating in Taiwan have moved offshore, those that stayed behind have been able to remain globally competitive by targeting niche markets and fine-tuning their strengths. Backed by the experience and expertise of their master craftsmen, Taiwanese furniture makers, whether in Taiwan or overseas, are recognized as formidable suppliers by buyers all over the world.

TFMA statistics show that Taiwanese furniture manufacturers export US$12-13 billion worth of products annually, but US$8-10 billion worth are supplied by Taiwanese producers in China and US$2-2.5 billion worth by Taiwanese factories in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Only US$1.5 billion worth of the exports are made in Taiwan itself.

The 21st century is a time characterized by rapid development, global competition, and knowledge-based economy; so manufacturers in traditional industries like furniture-making, Chien says, will have to boost their global competitiveness by using more flexible and sophisticated strategies aimed at the development of innovative, high-quality products and the establishment of positions in niche markets.

Chien suggests that Taiwanese furniture makers meet the challenges posed by their rivals by constantly improving their manufacturing technology and reinforcing their strengths.

The TFMA president hopes that 2011 TIFS will attract more quality exhibitors and internation