Knock on wood: India, Finnish furniture makers carve strong ties

Bengaluru, March 8 (IANS) Some 13 Finnish companies are participating in the 10th edition of an international timber forum, IndiaWood 2018, which began here on Thursday to forge strong ties with their Indian wood working industry.

IndiaWood 2018, with participation of 850 exhibitors from 40 countries, showcases the latest machines, technological innovations, equipment and smart manufacturing trends as well as materials, fittings and tools. 

The Wood from Finland pavilion was inaugurated by Finnish Ambassador to India Nina Vaskunlahti, according to a statement from the Finnish embassy in Delhi.

"Finland and India have excellent bilateral relationship and I am certain that Finnish sawmills and Indian companies can establish strong cooperation," said Vaskunlahti.

Wood from Finland, a national promotion programme for Finnish sawn timber, has brought in 13 Finnish companies to be a part of the March 8-12 event.

The statement said the participation by Finnish firms would "provide them a platform to open relations and start cooperation with Indian wood working industry".

"Finnish sawmills industry ready to tap the full potential of Indian woodworking industry."

The statement said that in Finland, the production of soft wood sawn timber for 2017 was around 12 million cubic metres, from which the amount exported was around 9.3 million cubic metres, making the country fourth largest sawn softwood exporter in the world.

"Finnish sawmills have recognised the potential of Indian wood industry and we are eager to cooperate with Indian companies and associations," said Kai Merivuori, Managing Director, Finnish Sawmills Association.

"We consider that Finnish high-quality wood would be an excellent material for versatile end-uses in Indian markets."