Fair – Indicator of Sector Vitality

– This fair also reflects new vitality in the sector, as we have moved from declarative words that the wood industry should be a strategic branch to actions. In addition to a series of measures we have undertaken, it is important to mention that a strategy for the development of the wood industry has been developed, which aimed at creating a final product, said Minister Petar Čobanković.

Today, the 34th International Fair of Furniture, Interior Design, and Related Industries – Ambienta 2007 was opened at the Zagreb Fair. In 17 pavilions, covering more than 48,000 square meters of exhibition space, a total of 718 exhibitors will present their latest products, services, and technologies, of which 336 are domestic and 382 are foreign from 26 countries.

– Ambienta has become an influential gathering place for the wood industry sector and the furniture industry and is held in a favorable environment. The wood industry achieved a surplus of USD 72 million in the foreign trade balance in the first seven months of this year, and the coverage of exports by imports is as high as 115 percent. This continues the favorable trends in this significant industrial branch that employs 30,000 workers, said Katja Luka Kovačić, director of the Zagreb Fair, at the opening.

As highlighted at the opening, this year’s fair is also expected to feature presentations with new products, business visitors from abroad, and the conclusion of new deals, which was a very important characteristic of last year’s fair.
– This fair also reflects new vitality in the sector, as we have moved from declarative words that the wood industry should be a strategic branch to actions. In addition to a series of measures we have undertaken, it is important to mention that a strategy for the development of the wood industry has been developed, which aimed at creating a final product.

The time has passed when logs were exported, as the structure of exports has changed. Today, furniture accounts for 40 percent of the export structure, but we are not satisfied with that either, as we can do much more, said Minister of Agriculture, Water Management, and Forestry Petar Čobanković, who also opened this year’s Ambienta. Ambienta will last from October 16 to 21, and in addition to exhibitions, visitors will be able to attend professional and accompanying events. (Edis Felić)