Small furniture traders call for access to overseas markets
Small furniture traders call for access to overseas markets
Furniture makers are asking the Lao Furniture Association to look for markets overseas, after the domestic market has stalled in the first three months of this year.
They are concerned that sales will not continue to grow this year if they don't have more expansive marketing to secure export sales.
A representative complained recently that small furniture traders still didn't have chances to show their products at exhibitions overseas if com pared to wholesalers.
The furniture products expect to have potential to grow over the next two years after Laos joins the Asean Economic Community at the end of this year, which Lao business people see as an opportunity to sell their goods throughout the region.
A furniture trader explained that there are several of the small traders are selling furniture of high quality but their lack of promotional opportunities to show the works overseas is hampering them.
She said that the sale of furniture products grew steadily last year if compared to 2-3 years ago and is expected to continue to increase this year.
For example, at present, Lao small furniture traders can produce enough of their goods to sell both at home and in the region, but they lack chances to promote sales overseas, so small traders are calling for the association to encourage its members to expand into new markets.
There are more customers interested in furniture products from Lao traders, indicating that all Lao furniture products can be exported to overseas, especially when it comes to expanding the marketing in the region.
She hoped that the Lao Furniture Association would be fair for all furniture traders and enable them to access markets outside the country; not giving exclusive opportunities to the wholesalers only.
