FICCI Leads Furniture Industry Business Mission to Singapore to Boost Bilateral Trade

Sep 26, 2024

• Delegation calls on Indian High Commissioner in Singapore

 

 

SINGAPORE, 26 September 2024: Dr Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, yesterday interacted with the FICCI Business Mission of leading furniture companies from India at the Indian High Commission.

 

The mission, led by Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Chairman, FICCI Furniture Committee and Chairman of Obeetee and Manor & Mews, is part of FICCI's ongoing outreach program aimed at fostering bilateral trade and enhancing business ties between India and Singapore in the furniture and lifestyle sectors.

 

During the business mission to Singapore, FICCI engaged with the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), in co-organising roundtable discussion on India-Singapore Business Opportunities followed by B2B meetings. The roundtable, supported by Enterprise Singapore, explored opportunities for collaboration to support the growth of the furniture industry in both nations. The initiative aims to strengthen the partnership between India and Singapore, ensuring mutual benefits for their economies through enhanced business relationships and trade.

 

Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Chair, FICCI Furniture Committee, said, “This mission is an important milestone in deepening the relationship between the Indian and Singaporean furniture industries. We are excited to explore new avenues for collaboration, which can drive growth and prosperity in both markets.”

 

Mr Phua Boon Huat, President, SFIC said, “We are happy to welcome the FICCI delegation to Singapore, building on recent high-level engagements between our two countries and SFIC’s business mission to India last August. The collaboration opportunities between SFIC and FICCI presents exciting opportunities in areas like sustainability, design and market expansion.  It is also encouraging to see some of our members already active in India, further strengthening ties.  We look forward to deepening these partnerships for mutual growth and sustainable development.”

 

The timing of this business mission coincides with the third edition of FIND-Design Fair Asia, taking place from 26-28 September 2024. ‘FIND’ serves as one of the key marketplaces for furniture, interiors, and design. The delegation visited the fair, with an eye toward fostering international connections and exploring emerging design trends.

 

The FICCI delegation comprises prominent leaders in the Indian furniture industry, including Andre Eckholt, Co-Chair, FICCI Furniture Committee and Managing Director of Hettich India Pvt Ltd; Virendra Singh Ranawat, Co-Chair, FICCI Furniture Committee and Co-Founder and CEO, Wooden Street; Kunal Giani, Managing Director, Sarva Foam; Kapil Agarwal, Group CEO, Obeetee and Manor & Mews; Venkataramana Gorti, Managing Director and Country Head, Homag India; Satish Kumar Sharma, President – Sales & Marketing, Featherlite Furniture; Niraj Sethia, Managing Director, Sethia Handicrafts.

 

In 2023, FICCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SFIC to enhance bilateral trade in the furniture and lifestyle sectors.

India's furniture industry is recognized by the Government of India as a key sector for growth, bolstered by competitive advantages like a skilled labour force, abundant raw materials, and a robust manufacturing ecosystem. Singaporean businesses are invited to explore the vast opportunities available in India’s expanding furniture market.