Lao furniture maker carves niche in overseas market
Lao furniture maker carves niche in overseas market
Alocal furniture producer is set to expand into more foreign countries after finding success exporting their carved products and furniture to China over the past six years.
Our furniture and woodcraft products are now being recognised and attracting interest from customers in Japan, Republic of Korea, Thailand and the USA, and we are in the process of discussing product quality and costs as well as production methods, Director of Khamthanaphone Wooden Art Co., Ltd. Mr Vilath Panyalath told Vientiane Times recently.
The company has penetrated the Chinese market with its carved products and furniture proving very popular among customers there.
So far, more than 13 Chinese companies have bought products from us as they are impressed with our quality, he said.
A Chinese buyer recently signed an agreement with the company during the 3rd Lao Furniture Fair 2017 in Vientiane, for the purchase of carved products, wooden furniture and parquet.
The buyer wanted to purchase a large quantity of products each month and they sent technical staff to inspect the quality and production at the factory, Mr Vilath said.
We expect to export a large quantity of wooden furniture and parquet, but at present we need to consider the export of carved products to ensure they comply with the government's regulations regarding eligible and prohibited wood products for export, he added.
The company is facing a shortage of raw materials at present but is partnering with other factories to ensure sufficient quantities of timber to make their products.
In addition, we are helping other local furniture makers who do not have the ability to export their products by sending technical staff and Chinese design requirements to them, Mr Vilath said.
Many furniture makers in Attapeu province had sent their products to the company and they expected to expand to other provinces as well, he said.
This will enable furniture makers in Laos to export their products, create jobs and reduce poverty among local people, and also generate revenue for the country, Mr Vilath added.
