Handicrafts need promotion to reach annual export targets

Fine arts and handicrafts exports are projected to meet the Government target of US$1.5 billion in turnover next year as the sector has had an annual export growth rate of 20 per cent in recent years.

Luu Duy Dan, deputy chairman of the Viet Nam Craft Villages Association, said fine arts and handicrafts were the country’s top 10 staples with the highest export growth rate.

Last year, exports reached nearly $1 billion despite the impact of the global recession, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Dan said with the global economic recovery, export growth has risen and is expected to reach more than $1 billion this year.

To meet the target of US$1.5 billion in export turnover next year, however, significant changes in the zoning of raw material areas, human resources and trade promotion must be made, he said.

Viet Nam has more than 1,400 arts and handicrafts villages, which provide jobs for 70,000 people and make more than 300 kinds of products, including rattan, bamboo, sedge, pottery, precious stones and metals, embroidery and other items.

The craft villages use mostly local materials for production, with only 3-3.5 per cent of raw materials being imported.

The ministry has identified the US, EU and Japan as key importers, eyeing an export target of about $1.15 billion in these three markets next year.

Experts have urged developers to introduce more designs and diversify their product lines to increase the competitiveness of the industry.

Fine arts and handicrafts producers must survey the interests of customers to meet demand, they added.

The Viet Nam Fine Arts and Handicrafts Exporters Association (Vietcraft) said it was putting the final touches on a promotion plan for export fine arts and handicraft next year.

Under the plan, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for approval soon, Vietcraft will organise trips to potential export markets, and participate in international and local fine arts and handicrafts fairs.

It will also provide training courses for producers on product design and market trends as well as training courses for its members on using e-business skills in trade promotion.

Viet Nam exports fine arts and handicrafts to 163 countries and territories in the world

Tags: Vietnam business news, Vietnam Handicraft