Wood products a hit in the Chinese market
Wood products a hit in the Chinese market
Lao carvings made from wood leftovers proved to be a popular item at the 2nd China-South Asia Exp osition and the 22nd Kunming Import and Export Fair, held last week in Kunming China.
Khamthanaphone Furniture Factory President Mr Vilath Panyalath shared his experience of entering his display booth and showcasing his products with the media.
Mr Vilath said this was the fourth time he had joined the trade fair with the expo giving him valuable experience and it allowed him to exchange knowledge with local and foreign businesspeople to further develop his products to suit customer demand.
It also gave him a chance to promote quality Lao products in the international market, he said.
Mr Vilath said more than 60 countries participated in this year's expo with the fair being a great opportunity for Lao entrepreneurs to showcase their products.
He said this year his company brought more than 2 million yuan worth of wood products to display at the expo with all his products selling out.
Chinese customers were familiar with Lao products and after the first day of the expo, a crowd of customers had gathered to buy or order the products from the display booth, he added.
Mr Vilath said the products showcased were mainly wood carvings and home décor goods made from wood that is normally discarded.
Leftover pieces of wood such as roots and branches can add value to timber products and with the Asean Economic Community underway in 2015, it will allow further skills development in labour, product design an d access to the overseas markets, he said.
After his success, Mr Vilath urged businesses to attend expositions in foreign countries as it would help promote Lao products and boost the country's presence on the competitive international stage.
Mr Vilath has now provided job opportunities to more than 300 people and has produced new product designs to respond to the demand for modern, high quality goods.
Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Mr Sanan Chounlamany attended the expo and said Lao businesspeople should not be afraid of the Chinese market.
Mr Sanan said Lao businesses should have the courage to display their products and share their vision with the world.
He said popular Lao products in the Chinese market were mainly wood products and jewellery with many people praising Laos' valuable wood being made into home décor.
After the entrepreneurs had experienced the trade exhibitions, it would open opportunities to link them to the foreign markets and present their goods to the world, Mr Sanan said.
vientiane times
