Lao furniture makers still lacking skills

Lao furniture makers still lacking skills

Laos is still struggling with labour skills in relation to product development in the furniture industry, which is targeting an expansion in domestic and export sales.

The furniture business is just one of the sectors facing a labour skills problem, said the Director of Somboune Furniture Ms Somboune Phimmasone.

“We have many carpenters working with furniture and wood manufacturers around the country but their skills are low compared to international standards,” Ms Somboune told Vientiane Times yesterday.

However the country still has many quality carpenters who are operating by themselves from their residences or rented premises, she added.

While many carpenters have good knowledge on theory sometimes their practical skills are lacking due to a dearth of activity.

Many carpenters in the country have received training and exchanged experience with carpenters in Asean and the region but many others have had no such opportunities as yet, she explained.

The government, in cooperation with the private sector, is taking high responsibility to improve Lao labour skills to equal international standards by organising training courses and competition events.

The government has also received assistance funds from international organisations in developing Lao labour skills and increasing capacity among government employees.

Some furniture manufacturers welcome local people to learn at their companies to assist in providing job opportunities in the community.

Despite the perceived shortcomings, Ms Somboune assured that Lao carpenters are able to make standard wood products according to customers' orders.

Most foreign traders purchasing wood products in Laos are from China and Vietnam.

Funding is also a main factor to develop Lao products for export to foreign markets as modern equipment and technology development requires funding for investment, Ms Somboune noted.

Despite the fact that labour skills in Laos are comparatively low, modern technology and equipment can go a long way to making up the shortfall.

Most wood products at the Somboune Furniture Factory comprise of windows, tables, chairs, wardrobes, beds and decorative ornaments.

Generaly speaking, her products are for the domestic market as it is still difficult to enter foreign markets, Ms Somboune said.

Raw material is currently not a problem because there is still a sufficient supply but the prices are quite high, she added.