Lao products wanted in Korea: specialist
Lao products wanted in Korea: specialist
Huge potential for trade between Laos and the Republic of Korea in handicrafts and agricultural products could be realised in the near future, according to a Korean trade promoter.
Asean-Korea Centre Trade and Investment Unit Second Deputy Head, Mr Ki Bong Moon, told Vientiane Times a number of Korean importers were interested in Lao coffee, textiles and other agricultural products.
Mr Ki spoke at a seminar yesterday as part of the 12th Lao Handicraft Fair in Vientiane, with a focus on Lao access to Korean markets.
“With some promotion, Laos has a great opportunity to access the Korean markets with its unique textile, rice and coffee products,” he said.
Mr Ki said the huge trade value of fine handicrafts had not yet been realised but there was a demand for high-quality products in Korea.
Director General of Product Promotion Department at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mr Somvang Ninthavong, said Korean people were interested in Lao products.
“All products should be made and used in an environmentally-friendly way to ensure less negative impacts on the environment,” he said.
Mr Somvang said Korean researchers credited Lao coffee as being second only to Columbian coffee on international standard scales.
Througho ut the half-day seminar, three Korean specialists gave their insights on how to improve the value of Lao handicrafts, how to market products and the modernisation of cultural heritage.
Early next month, Korean experts will speak to rice noodle producers in Luang Prabang province with a focus on penetrating new export markets through developing more marketable products.
Lao handicraft-makers display their products at exhibitions in the Republic of Korea every year.
The Asean-Korea Centre was established in 2009 to promote economic and socio-cultural cooperation between Asean state members and the Republic of Korea.
vientiane times
