Eleven Brazilian companies manufacturers of goods and technology for the furniture sector will be present at the 11th edition of M&M Technological and Industrial Fair, in Colombia, as part of the Orchestra Brasil project. The event will be held from March 7-12, 2012, in Bogota, bringing together 220 exhibitors in a 13 thousand square meter area. Participating companies include manufacturers of machinery, chemicals, supplies, hardware and tools for the wood industry, furniture, suppliers and distributors of the furniture industry. Some 14,000 visitors are expected to attend the largest local trade show of sector.   From January to September 2011, Colombia imported US$ 633 million in finishes, accessories, components, chemicals and technologies for furniture, and the Brazilian manufacturers accounted for approximately 5% of that amount, according to data from the Global Trade Information System (GTIS). Colombia is among the eight main destinations of Brazilian products included in the Orchestra Brasil project - accessories, components and technology for the furniture industry.   The Business Intelligence assistant of Sindmóveis in Bento Gonçalves, Eduardo Santarossa, explains that, despite the low participation of Brazil in the Colombian imports of components, the country is considered one of the priority markets for the Ochestra Brasil project. First of all, because the Colombian imports of products produced by the participants of the project have shown an average growth rate of more than 10%, while some segments of the Brazilian production export levels is below the market rates - which indicates a niche to be exploited. Moreover, geographical proximity, preferential tariffs and similar exchange rate valuation between the two countries strengthen their trade relations. "Per capita income grew by 27% in Colombia over the past six years, and, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it will grow at least 23% by 2016. This increases the purchasing power and hence the demand for furniture," he says.   The furniture industry in Colombia represents approximately 16% of the Brazilian production of furniture, with some 500 companies producing US$ 1.5 billion per year. This is the second time the Orchestra Brasil project takes part in M & M. In 2012, the companies that will be exhibiting at the booth of the project are: Procad Softwares, Tabone, CPI Papéis (Tegus), Kolafit, Lavrama, Tecbril, Amazonas, Renner Sayerlack, Reval Aramados, Arte Diamante, in addition to Akeo in their own booth.