Vietnam’s Handicraft exports target $660m by 2010
(14-12-2005)
Traditional craft villagers put finishing touches on wooden products for export. This year’s handicraft export turnover is estimated to hit $316 million, $79 million higher than in 2000. — VNA/VNS Photo Tran Tong
HA NOI — Viet Nam’s handicraft sector is aiming for an annual export turnover of US$660 million by 2010, according the 2014-10 development plan recently issued by the Ministry of Industry’s Local Industry Department.
To achieve the ambitious target, the plan calls for the sector to establish a competitive and sustainable production system and to improve handicraft development programmes while retaining cultural identity, enhancing village and commune-level production and strengthening institutional framework.
Central Viet Nam is seen as a region with relatively few traditional craft villages, so the plan calls for central provinces to use their rich natural resources to instead supply materials for the sector. The developing handicraft sector should be regarded as part of the region’s tourism, according to the plan.
It also said HCM City’s access to markets and high production capacity make it a natural handicraft centre for the south, while the south-eastern region could both market handicrafts and develop new products in its capacity as a technological hub.
According to the proposal, the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region should concentrate on processing handicraft and agricultural products using local materials while upgrading infrastructure and distribution systems for easier access to urban markets.
Viet Nam now has over 100 handicraft products being produced in over 2,000 villages, where the industry represents as much as 20 per cent of local economies. Craft-village artisans presently earn average monthly incomes of VND1.5 million.
The sector continues to enjoy consistently increasing export values. This year’s turnover is estimated to hit $316 million, $79 million higher than in 2000. The sector provides jobs for up to 30 per cent of the local workforce, according to the Local Industry Department.
However, the department said the sector still faces many challenges, including out-dated technology, limited-scale production, a lack of information on market trends, and poor marketplace competitiveness. — VNS
