Enhanced promotion, distribution key to Lao handicraft success: minister

The new administrators of the Lao Handicraft Association and their members across the country need to work harder in creating resilient market networks to distribute local products to customers. 
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ms Khemmani Pholsena delivered the advice on Wednesday in Vientiane at the 9th Lao Handicrafts Association Conference to elect new administrators of the organisation.
At present, there are major challenges for local artisans because they lack sufficiently robust distribution networks for their products.  Having these would give stability to handicraft production and allow craftspeople to increase their sales and income dramatically, she said.
These bolstered networks would also serve as a springboard to expand the quality and quantity of production for distribution to Asean countries and export markets further afield.
President of the Lao Handicrafts Association, Mr Hansana Sisane highlighted the successful efforts of authorities in assisting Lao artisans in the country in his report at the meeting.
“We have been successful in protecting the benefits and the rights of members to ensure the majority of Lao artisans now have access to markets for their products,” he said.
Other highlights included the promotion of technical and marketing skills for producers utilising silk, cotton, bamboo, rattan, silver, pottery and food items as well as advice on how to appeal to tourists, he added.
The Lao Handicraft Association was established on April 1, 1998, as a group of only 20 producers and gained association status in February 2004.
Its membership has increased, and currently, there are over 120 handicraft producers in the capital and provinces, the association reported.
The Lao Handicraft Association covers the six sectors of textiles, jewellery, non-timber forest products, recycled and wood products, pottery and cultural products.

By Phetphoxay  Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update July 30, 2020)