Handbag makers seek support, overseas markets
Handbag makers seek support, overseas markets
Handbag makers in Laos say they still lack the opportunities they need to put their products on exhibition overseas without more official support.
A silk handbag maker, Ms Vanh, who has been developing her own brand-name handbags since 2002 said recently that the handbags are only distributed on the domestic market even though their quality is at a level to be able to compete within the region.
She further explained that she has observed silk handbags gaining intere st from tourists but that producers lacked any cooperation in exporting to international markets.
According to people in the industry it is imperative that handbag producers distribute more widely by attending exhibitions aimed at expanding their markets but they don't quite know how to pull this off without the full support of higher authorities.
Ms Vanh hopes that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will consider providing useful information for the producers on where they can apply to take part in international events.
Handbag designer Ms Chanmani added that world fashion tends to be growing each year, with enthusiasm for handmade or natural materials common among customers in countries all over the world.
She believes that Lao handbags would benefit from the exposure and that there is a lot of space available to grow their business as most are using natural materials in their products.
However, Ms Chanmani also felt disappointed that handbag makers were still not supported enough by the government.
Handbag makers with the potential to enter international markets would be greatly helped by exhibiting in other countries.
In particular, Laos has joined the Asean Economic Community; makers could take the opportunities presented by the community to enter those regional markets by seeking cooperation with other member countries.
Handbags here are already competing with most countries in terms of quality, using natural materials and the creative ideas of their designers.
For example, handbag sales in shops around the country have been increasing y ear on year, which shows that the number of both domestic and foreign customers interested has increased.
Ms Vanh agreed that handbag makers should strengthen their cooperation to make it easier to promote Lao brands overseas by holding fashion shows in other countries or by allowing Lao brands on international catwalk stages.
Those wanting to help in the efforts by handbag producers can make an effort to purchase Lao brand names overseas whenever they can.
