Minister of Industry and Trade Tarek Kabil on Tuesday said the ministry is keen to fully encourage the home furnishings sector and increase its competitiveness in the coming period.

During a meeting with members the Egyptian Furniture Export Council (EFEC), the minister reviewed challenges facing the sector, the council's plans to increase exports and mechanisms proposed to improve the industry.

Kabil said that that home furnishings sector is a very important industry that represents an essential part of the textile industry and has many opportunities and possibilities.

The sector is growing largely, in spite of the challenges currently faced by fierce foreign competition on global markets, he added.

The ministry's strategy includes developing a new system to support exports during the coming period, Kabil said.