US$6Mln Approved for Handicrafts, Small Industries by 2015
The Ministry of Industry (MoI) plans to spend VND92.4 billion (US$6 million) to develop the handicraft and small-sized industry sector between now and 2015, a source from the ministry said.
This is part of the ministry's overall strategy to improve the production capacity of craft villages nationwide, including the generation of stable jobs for 1.5 million rural laborers and seasonal jobs for between 3 to 5 million others.
In this strategy, the MoI has outlined the development of handicrafts traditions and small industries by zones.
Accordingly, the Red River Delta, home to the largest number of craft villages in the North, is encouraged to incorporate these villages to boost the growth of labor-intensive occupations as well as the creation of new handicrafts items utilizing local materials.
The central coastal region with abundant natural resources will be developed into a material supply area, said the ministry.
The MoI also wants to promote the creation of new handicraft products in the southeastern region, especially items that are globally competitive, while encouraging craft villages in the Mekong Delta to host tourism.
Vietnam currently has around 100 traditional handicrafts which are practiced at more than 2,000 villages nationwide. These occupations involve 30 per cent of rural laborers who can earn an average income three to four times higher than that of pure farmers.
In the meantime, some handicrafts have still been struggling against the shortage of materials and investment as well as difficulties in locating markets.
P.V
Vietnamese
