Craft exports lack promotion

A craftswoman at work in a traditional handicraft village in Ha Noi. To boost exports, the handicrafts sector should hold more International trade fairs, a conference in HCM City heard. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuan Anh

Dang Quoc Hung, deputy chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (Hawa), said local firms should take the initiative in participating in international trade fairs and exhibitions, which could help them promote their trademarks and find new customers.

Companies must prepare well when participating in international fairs, including having staff who can communicate with foreign visitors, said Phan Thi Hoai Phuong from the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Local firms usually lack experience in decorating and arrangement of their stalls at international fairs, according to Pham Hong Son, a trade promotion officer from the Viet Nam Handicraft Exporters’ Association.

He said they should seek help from consultants to make their stalls more attractive.

Export earnings from the sector last year were estimated to reach under US$1 billion, still low compared to the sector’s potential.

The lower earnings were mainly due to the global economic downturn and a lack of trade promotions.

“There is an increasing demand for handicraft products globally, and more countries are interested in importing products made of bamboo,” said Tran Quoc MaÏnh, also a deputy director of Hawa.

He called on the sector to invest in staff who could create new ideas rather than just wait for orders and make products following the designs from buyers.

Since most firms in the sectors are small – and medium-d, firms should co-operate with each other to raise their competitiveness as well as develop

trade promotions to reduce costs.

Viet Nam’s handicraft products are sold in 80 countries and territories, with Japan, the EU, Russia and Southeast Asia as the main importers. — VNS