Handicraft exports target $ 660million by 2010

16 Dec '05

2 min read

Ministry of Industry's Local Industry Department issued the 2006-10 development plan to increase Vietnam's handicraft sector with an annual export turnover of US $660 million by 2010, with enhanced production, improved handicraft, retaining of cultural identity and strong institutional framework.

The village artisan's present average monthly income is VND1.5 million with production of over 100 handicraft products in over 2,000 villages contributing 20 percent of the local economy.

According to the plan, Central Vietnam provinces have few traditional craft villages, so it should use its rich natural resources as part of the region's tourism development.

HCM City's access to markets and better production infrastructure makes it a natural handicraft centre for the south.

The south-eastern region could become a technological hub for new products as well as marketing of handicrafts.
The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region while using local materials can concentrate on processing handicraft and agricultural products. For urban markets access improved infrastructure and distribution systems will be required.

Continuing to enjoy increasing export values, the estimated turn over of handicraft is projected at $ 316 million, which is $ 79 million higher than the year 2000. According to the Local Industry Department, employment for 30% of the local workforce is provided by this sector.

Obstacles of out-dated technology, limited production, lack of information on market trends, and poor competitiveness are yet to be crossed for the handicraft economy to really accelerate.

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