TPCI participates in the 26th Annual General Meeting of CAFA in China

The 26th Annual General Meeting of the Council of Asian Furniture Associations (CAFA) was held on April 7, 2025, in Shengfang, China, under the chairmanship of CAFA President Mr. Xu. The event saw active participation from key industry stakeholders, including Mr. Wang Hongle, President of the Shengfang Furniture Association. Representing the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), Ms. Shital Dhiren Thacker and Mr. Sunil Dhami attended the meeting, highlighting India as the Next Big Furniture Opportunity—an idea that received enthusiastic support from the attending delegates.

The 26th Annual General Meeting of the Council of Asian Furniture Associations (CAFA) was successfully convened on April 7, 2025, in Shengfang, China. The meeting was held under the esteemed chairmanship of CAFA President Mr. Xu and witnessed active participation from key stakeholders across the Asian furniture industry. Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Wang Hongle, President of the Shengfang Furniture Association and owner of the Shengfang Furniture Exhibition.

Representing the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), Ms. Shital Dhiren Thacker, Advisor, and Mr. Sunil Dhami, Advisor – International Relations, took part in the proceedings. TPCI placed a strong emphasis on promoting India as the Next Big Furniture Opportunity, an initiative that was met with keen interest and appreciation from the delegates.

The AGM addressed several significant agenda items, including the formal adoption of the CAFA Constitution, the launch of the CAFA Awards in the domains of furniture design and interior decoration (set to begin by the end of April), induction of new members from Japan and Turkey, and strategic upgrades to the CAFA website. A revised membership fee structure was also tabled and approved.

A key highlight of the meeting was Pakistan’s proposal to host the next CAFA AGM, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the association. Furthermore, under the guidance of Chairman Mr. Xu, a proposal was introduced for TPCI to host a select delegation from the World Furniture Confederation (WFC) in India. The idea received enthusiastic support from President Xu and Ms. Lunda Tu, with November 2025 proposed as a tentative timeline. The WFC Secretariat assured its assistance in managing logistics and coordination.

The day concluded with a grand Gala evening where the Mayor of Shengfang, Mr. Liu, was the star presence, celebrating the success of the day’s discussions and partnerships.

On April 8, the agenda continues with the inauguration of the Shengfang Furniture Exhibition and dedicated B2B meetings, with the Mayor presiding over the opening ceremony. TPCI, among other key stakeholders, was accorded VIP status, reinforcing India’s growing importance in the global furniture ecosystem.

TPCI’s participation at the CAFA AGM further strengthens India’s presence on the global furniture map and sets the tone for deeper industry engagement and collaboration in the coming months.