Export potential soars for Lao rattan products
Export potential soars for Lao rattan products
Two more countries, Germany and New Zealand, are interested in buying hand-made rattan waste paper baskets for domestic use from the Lao company Leudnilan, based in Vientiane.
Both potential buyers have received design options from Leudnilan and are in the process of selection prior to placing their orders.
“We are expecting these two countries to order thousands of baskets from us this year once they've made their design selections,” the company's assistant, Mr Morheu Aheu, told Vientiane Times on Tuesday.
Switzerland became a major customer last year with purchases worth US$43,500. Their order this year is still not being processed, however, as Leudnilan has no rattan in stock and, unfortunately, the government's quota for cutting rattan was made available too late.
The quota should have been provided to the company in February, but this year the figure was released only this month. Now it is very difficult to cut rattan because the rainy season has started and everywhere is wet.
Even if harvesting the rattan were possible it would be very difficult to dry it.
The company is keen to support Lao exports, however, so they will harvest as soon as possible even if it means waiting until the rain stops before they can start making the baskets. They have hired 120 villagers to make the baskets under the supervision of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Laos currently exports raw rattan to neighbouring countries, mainly Vietnam, and is aiming to be seen as a global leader in sustainable and certified rattan exports.
More than 90 percent of rattan processed in the Greater Mekong region originates from natural forests that are being exploited at an unsustainable rate. There are around 600 rattan species in the world, including 54 species in the Greater Mekong region.
Rattan, a climber from the palm family and a valuable non-timber forest product, is available in forests throughout the region and its stems are used for a variety of purposes, including food, shelter and making furniture.
Village communities in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam rely heavily on the rattan trade, with sales accounting for up to 50 percent of cash income in some areas.
vientiane times
