Lao T-shirt maker calls for better market access
Lao T-shirt maker calls for better market access
Many local manufacturers still face difficulties with market accessibility and are dependent on self-financing for operational capital, according to a local businessman.
“We can produce 100 T-shirts a day but the problem is there's not enough promotion for local producers,” Director of Lao Idea Company Limited Mr Souvanny Saleumsok told Vientiane Times recently.
His company makes T-shirts and was formerly known as Moon Phor , or the heritage of the father, referring to the heritage of the nation.
However, Mr Souvanny said he was delighted the Business Assistance Facility (BAF) project, managed by the SME Promotion Department under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, had provided a 50 percent grant for his business development plans.
But his products still faced difficulties gaining access to the market, as local goods did not receive proper promotion by the relevant government sector, Mr Souvanny said.
“It would be great if the relevant sector could seek better ways to showcase outstanding local products such as at important expos and festivals so that we receive better feedback from local customers,” he added.
He also said the Vientiane Boat Racing Festival and That Luang Festival will be good opportunities to promote the sale of local products with specific booths for Lao products only.
“Organising regular trade fairs for Lao products will be beneficial for domestic manufacturers because it will allow us to announce our products to local customers, encouraging them to buy more locally made goods,” Mr Souvanny said.
He also said the quality of Lao products was as good as imported ones but their profile had to be raised among local people.
When asked about challenges in business expansion, he said they still required more skilled labour at each branch in the provinces and the high cost of shop rent was also an issue.
“There are plenty of challenges for SMEs in Laos because we still have trouble accessing affordable finance to fund business expansion compared to neighbouring countries, and many things still need improving,” he said, adding the government should consider Lao products as a priority.
