The “International Istanbul Furniture Fair-IIFF 2024,” ranking among the world’s top three fairs in its field, has officially opened its doors in a simultaneous event at the Tüyap Congress and Exhibition Center and the Istanbul Exhibition Center, organized by the Furniture Associations Federation (MOSFED) in collaboration with MOS Fairs and Tüyap Fair Organization Inc.
Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), addressed the opening ceremony held at the Istanbul Exhibition Center, highlighting the sustained growth in exports despite the global impact of COVID-19. Gültepe noted that the furniture, paper, and forest products sector achieved an $8 billion export milestone in 2023, emphasizing the sector’s significant contribution to Turkey’s overall export performance.
The global furniture sector has reached a staggering $300 billion in volume, with Gültepe proudly stating that Turkey has ascended 25 steps in furniture exports over the past two decades. He remarked, “In the last 20 years, our furniture exports have increased by 730%, showcasing the tremendous potential Turkey holds in becoming one of the top five furniture exporting countries globally.”
Gültepe expressed optimism for the current year, setting a $10 billion export target for the furniture, wood, and forest products sector, with a visionary goal of reaching $20 billion by 2028. He affirmed Turkey’s potential to be among the top five global furniture exporting nations.
The International Istanbul Furniture Fair plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals, bringing together buyers and sellers, filling a significant gap in the market. Gültepe recalled the success of the previous year’s fair and expressed hopes for another fruitful event for Turkish companies.
“Total of 250,000 Square Meters with Nearly 1,000 Exhibiting Firms”
Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO), emphasized the evolutionary process of Istanbul’s two exhibition centers and their positive impact on the sector. Avdagiç stated, “This fair, with the rational approach of both exhibition centers and the positive contribution of the sector, is currently the only fair held with two exhibition centers in Istanbul.”
Avdagiç revealed that the fair spans a total area of 250,000 square meters, featuring products from nearly 1,000 companies. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül conveyed his well wishes for the success of the fair in his opening remarks.
Ahmet Güleç, President of MOSFED, provided insights into the fair, aiming to break into the top five global furniture export leaders. The Turkish furniture sector, hosting its third edition of the International Istanbul Furniture Fair this year, anticipates the participation of around 1,000 firms, showcasing over 3,000 brands. The event is expected to draw 200,000 visitors, offering a platform for observing industry trends and fostering new collaborations.
The International Istanbul Furniture Fair-IIFF is set to lay the groundwork for billion-dollar collaborations, with the schedules for 2025, 2026, and 2027 already being prepared from today onwards.
source: aa.com.tr / prepared by Melisa Beğiç