The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 1999, to be held over five days at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur from March 2 is expected to bring in export sales worth $400 million.

Malaysian Furniture Industry Council (MFIC) president Anthony Yap said last year’s MIFF, held at the same venue in March 1998, had brought in export sales worth $366.7 million.

He said 200 local furniture makers had confirmed participation in the 1999 exhibition, which will showcase the latest range of aesthetic and contemporary designs aimed at international buyers.

The annual MIFF is organized by MIFF Sdn Bhd under the auspices of the Primary Industries Ministry and the MFIC. It is supported by the Malaysian Timber Council and the Malaysian Timber Industry Board.

Tan Chin Huat, organizing chairman, said the overwhelming response to the exhibition confirmed that the industry remained buoyant despite the economic downturn.

For the first half of 1998, Malaysia’s furniture exports stood at $0.5 billion.