Ho Chi Minh City Handicrafts and Wood Association (HAWA) was established in 1991 with member companies involving in the production of handicraft and fine art articles in bamboo, rattan and wood. With membership of 170 companies from all economic sectors, 61.5 per cent engaging in wood processing, 30.8 per cent in fine arts articles and 17.7 per cent in services.
HAWA provides members updated market information and business opportunities free of charge. In human resources development, HAWA in cooperation with Forestry Faculty of Ho Chi Minh City Agriculture-Forestry College, have trained technicians and quality inspectors and upgraded the workforce by on-the-job training. In conjunction with the International Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), HME promotes trade and trademarks of member companies in mass media at home and abroad.
As a result, the production and export of handicraft and wood based products continue to increase over the years. The export value of wooden products increased repeatedly US$219 million in 2000, US$334 million in 2001, US$435 million in 2002, US$567 million in 2003, US$1,155 million in 2004, US$1,560 million in 2005 and US$940 million in the first half of 2006. Meanwhile, the export value of fine art articles increased from US$366.8 million in 2003 to US$416 million in 2004 and US$500 million in 2005.
According to HAWA, in 2005, the main export markets of wooden products as follows : the US (US$566.9 million), Japan (US$240.8 million), UK (US$114.9 million), Germany (US$75.3 million), France (US$74.2 million), while those in fine art articles are : France (US$68.8 million), US (US$55.1 million), Germany (US$50.3 million), Japan (US$48.6 million), Belgium (US$38.2 million). The success is also due to the promotion activities at several international trade fairs in Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, Las Vegas (US), etc.
However, the sector is facing several difficulties : First, most of the workforce are from craft villages with low standard; Second, shortage and inefficiency of managers; Third, lack of materials with 80 per cent of materials imported from the US, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia. In addition, the fluctuation of materials by 5-7 per cent affected seriously the production cost and the competitiveness with China and other regional countries. HAWA is trying its best to find solutions to ensure the continued development of the sector.
Xuan Hoe
Vietnamese
