Locally made bags popular

Viet Nam has developed a global reputation for making competitively priced bags and offering high quality suppliers, according to a recent survey conducted by Kearny Alliance, a US non-profit organisation that helps businesses in developing countries.

The survey found that 80 per cent of Vietnamese suppliers planned to raise prices no more than 5 per cent over the next 12 months.

Most suppliers who were interviewed said they would increase exports by at least 10 per cent to key overseas markets such as the EU and the US.

Export prices range from under 30 cents to above US$20, depending on the type of bag and design complexity.

“Bags from Viet Nam are unique, and many styles are competitive with other supply markets worldwide,” said Vu Ngoc Khiem, manager of Kearny Alliance’s Developing Country Export Assistance Programme.

“Makers tend to employ different, locally sourced materials to offer a variety of designs in an array of handmade styles and embellishments.

“For example, most suppliers use silk, cotton, bamboo, rattan or seagrass for bags and often decorate them with embroidery, beadwork, buffalo horn or mother-of-pearl.”

Vo My Huong, general director of Hoang Viet Company, said that her company made laptops, luggage and children’s bags for the US and Asian markets.

“We are confident that our products can attract new buyers through our design, order flexibility and innovation.”

Special-purpose and high-fashion bags are top exports among suppliers, accounting for more than 90 per cent of total shipments.

Total capacity of the surveyed suppliers is 6.95 million pieces a month, of which exports account for more than 60 per cent. — VNS