KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has target to be among the top five largest furniture exporters in the world, said Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed. He said Malaysia was ranked 10th last year and had exported to more than 160 countries.

"The main export destinations for our furniture is the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Canada, the United Arabs Emirates and India," he said at the launch of the Malaysia International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2010 here on Tuesday.

He also said the industry was a major contributor to the economy with more than 1,800 furniture companies in the country.

"Last year, the MIFF generated sales of US$710 million and hope this year, the number can be surpassed," he added.

Meanwhile, at a press conference, MIFF Sdn Bhd Managing Director Datuk Tan Chin Huat said the projected sales for this year was US$750 million.

The MIFF 2010 is being held over five days, starting today at three venues, namely the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre.

More than 500 Malaysian and international exhibitors are participating in the Fair with more than 20,000 visitors expected to visit it.

-- BERNAMA