Lao craftsmanship on exhibition at ITECC furniture fair
Lao craftsmanship on exhibition at ITECC furniture fair
Vientiane authorities are creating opportunities for wooden furniture makers to display their products to local and foreign customers in an effort to increase sales amid rising purchasing power in the country.
The capital's Industry and Commerce Department and the Lao Furniture Association opened the annual Furniture Fair at Lao ITECC in Vientiane on Monday, giving local producers the chance to showcase their craftsmanship in a growing market.
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ms Khemmani Pholsena, Vientiane Vice Mayor Mr Annouphab Tounalom, and Lao Furniture Association President Mr Khamphay Somsana cut the ribbon to officially open the fair, which will run until June 1.
According to the organising committee, there are 67 furniture makers exhibiting their wares in booths at the trade fair, aiming to advertise and sell their products to domestic and foreign clientele looking for furniture to decorate their homes and offices.
The number of exhibitors this year has increased 6.4 percent compared to last year with a strong showing among furniture making firms from provinces including Xayaboury, Xieng Khuang and Savannakhet.
The value of the furniture products on exhibit at the fair is estimated to be in excess of 6.4 billion kip (US$800,000), with a large number of finely crafted hardwood pieces on display.
In addition to the furniture products, landscaping companies and nurseries are retailing tree seedlings at the fair with sellers encouraging people to plant trees this Arbor Day on June 1.
One District and One Product goods are also among those being displayed at the fair. The fair organising committee expects about 20,000 to 25,000 people will visit each day.
Many Lao people enjoy higher purchasing power these days thanks to strong economic growth.
As people have become wealthier, the market is developing for Lao furniture makers, who have to meet the demand of both local and foreign customers.
A number of Chinese buyers have been seen at the fair looking for business partners to export wooden furniture to their country.
Chinese people eye high quality Lao wooden products as luxury goods made using real timber.
Most of the furniture makers noted that Chinese people have high purchasing power and want to import the Lao furniture.
However, one of the main challenges is that Lao furniture makers need a sustainable supply of raw timber before they can sign a purchase contract with Chinese partners.
Most of the Lao wood is directly from forests and the government has restricted the cutting of natural timbers as part of efforts to protect the forests.
vientiane times
