Video: Chinese Furniture Delegation Arrives In Tupelo

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) –The bi-annual Tupelo Furniture Market is big business for many. But during this market, special guests are in Tupelo.


Three members of the China Furniture National Association are visiting the furniture market this week.


The company is looking to build ties with Mississippi furniture companies to have their American made furniture exported to China.

It was a warm welcome for the president of China’s National Furniture Association.

It’s the first visit to Tupelo for the Chinese delegation eager to learn the in’s and out’s of the furniture business
“We’re hoping to learn more about the Tupelo Furniture Market and the opportunities that might be here, both for Chinese companies to come and meet potential partners as well as furniture that they may be able to bring to the China market,” said the Association’s President, Zhu Changling.

In 2013, China was Mississippi’s third largest export market with one billion dollars in trade. Through an interpreter,  Association President Zhu Changling, says there are opportunities for U.S. Furniture among Chinese buyers because of recent popular trends.

“There’s a strong desire for American style furniture, very traditional furniture and the second trend is that they want to see furniture that is 100 percent made in the U.S, that’s not made in another location, shipped to the U.S and then shipped back to China,” said Changling.

The delegation was given a history of furniture manufacturing in Northeast Mississippi and the services offered by MSU’s Franklin Furniture Institute, which organized the trip.

Furniture Market President,Kevin Seddon,says everyone is hopeful this visit will develop into a long-term business relationship.

“Yes, we want them to come back and our goal is to have some of our people here in the states go to China and participate in their event as well,” added Tupelo Furniture Market President, Kevin Seddon.

The Chinese delegation will be in the area through Friday.

On Thursday, the delegation will visit several Mississippi furniture manufacturers at the furniture market.  

 

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