Pay attention to packaging, SMEs urged
Pay attention to packaging, SMEs urged
Industry and commerce officials are encouraging producers to package their goods more attractively and to consider product safety, saying this will give their merchandise a competitive edge in international markets.
The message is being spread by the Department of Small and Medium Enterprises of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a day-long workshop in Vientiane yesterday, Department Director General Mr Somdy Inmyxay said “We have many kinds of local products that can be attractive to international markets and consumers. For example, padaek (a fermented fish condiment) is not eaten only by Lao people.”
He said many of the products made in Laos can be exported, but packaging, production methods and product safety must be prioritised, to add value to goods in the marketplace.
Workshop participants included the owners, representatives and employees of three selected model manufacturing companies - Hongte Meat Ball, Padaek Houng Heuang Sinh and Le Trio Coffee.
The Demonstration Company Project on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an ongoing project to improve the quality of goods and productivity in manufacturing companies.
“Those involved will be trained in Good Manufacturing Practice and HACCP to improve the food industry in Laos,” Mr Somdy said.
The Asian Productivity Organisation is supporting the project to strengthen the capacity of food manufacturing companies, to ensure product safety and boost the popularity of Lao-made goods.
The project is also intended to improve product quality, quality control in food safety, manufacturing tools and overall production management.
“We are preparing to participate in the Asean Economic Community in 2015. The small SME sector is an essential part of economic competition so it is vital that we make our small producers more competitive,” Mr Somdy said.
vientiane times
