"This is the most important Fair event promoting domestic industry," Andjelko Trpkovic, Belgrade Fair General Manager has emphasized. "The Furniture Fair has become a not-to-be- missed venue in the country and region, and together with the exhibitors we have contributed to its international profile. We have managed to gather a huge number of domestic and foreign exhibitors making this event equal to the similar ones worldwide.

This prestigeous event was opened by Mladjan Dinkic, Minister of Economy and Regional Development in the Serbian Government, who said that 2009 has probably been the hardest economic year in the world. The furniture industry has also been affected, since people avoid buying permanent goods during the crisis.

Serbian Government is preparing for the next year a special social programme to help the furniture manufacturers with long-lasting credit loans. The privileged conditions will be given to those who wish to invest and expand their capacities, thus leading to further develoment of domestic economy, more jobs and increased export. In addition to this, Serbia has a tradition in manufacturing good quality, comfortable and attractively designed furniture. Let’s not forget that the increased construction of apartment blocks is to be expected, meaning that further space will need to be furnished, said Dinkic, and announced the 47th International Furniture Fair opened.