Anji-made furniture expands to African markets

At ZOY Home Furnishing Co in Anji county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, workers have been preparing sofas for shipment to South Africa, demonstrating the expansion of Huzhou's furniture industry into African markets.

Anji, known as the "Home of Chairs" in China, has focused on developing "green home furnishings" as a key industry. Capitalizing on the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, local bamboo and wood producers are actively integrating Huzhou's designs and technologies into the green development of Africa.

Statistics from Huzhou Customs reveal a 17.6 percent year-on-year increase in bamboo and wood product exports to Africa, amounting to approximately 110 million yuan ($15.50 million) from January to August this year. ZOY Home Furnishing, aligning with this trend, saw a 28.2 percent surge in exports to eight African countries during the same period.

Taking advantage of the momentum created by the 2024 FOCAC summit, the company hopes to carry out more economic and trade cooperation with African enterprises and plans to establish an overseas warehouse on the continent.

Many furniture enterprises are establishing overseas warehouses in South Africa. This strategic shift not only enhances logistical efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also contributes to the creation of jobs in Africa.