Binh Duong Province's Ceramic Glorifies Vietnam
Ceramics are a traditional product of Binh Duong with a turnover of some USUS$100 million a year. Owing to the combination of traditional and modern arts, the beauty of both its enamel and motifs, Binh Duong ceramic introduces to the world the soul and talent of the Vietnamese people.
Combined beauty
Binh Duong province has over 500 enterprises engaging in ceramic and porcelain production, mostly in Thuan Giao commune, Thuan An district. The industry was started by Hoa artisans. Discovering large areas of high quality clay and kaolin, the artisans moved from Cho Lon and settled down in Binh Duong. They introduced three schools of ceramic : Guangdong ceramic specialised in colourful statues, flower pots and stools; Zhaozhou ceramic with white and blue bowls, cups and saucers and Fujian ceramic with black jars. Over the years, Binh Duong ceramic became famous with the development, technical improvement and inclusion of the typical characteristics and nature of South Vietnam. The products are used in daily life as well as for artistic works.
Contributing to the reputation of Binh Duong ceramic, the Minh Long Company, with 34 years in business, has produced highly sophisticated products in bright enamel, especially white, giving Minh Long ceramic a pure beauty. While golden and green enamels symbolize products of royal court; brown, orange and purple enamels are for common life. Bright pink, blue and green enamels are suitable for tea sets. More important are products with artistic paintings and statues with profound meaning, reflecting the aspirations and loves of the artisans. According to Mr Ly Ngoc Minh, Director of Minh Long 1, the paintings on the products bring the messages of Vietnamese culture and history to the world. Other products of Minh Long are statues made of broken porcelain including the statues of Vietnamese ladies in traditional dress ao dai and leaf hats made of 13 pieces of porcelain. The statues are 25 cm high and refined in every detail.
Profitable export
The export of Binh Duong ceramic is most favourable in foreign markets. Thanks to dynamic production meeting the demand and taste of the clients, Vietnamese enterprises continue to receive important orders from big markets. With more investment in capital and technology and the support of the local authorities, the enterprises build more factories, recruit more workers and increase their export. The products have been marketed in Europe, the US, Japan and Australia. The company also has high quality products for interior and exterior decorations and other consumers goods.
To meet the export demand, the enterprises have applied new technology and used gas instead of firewood to ensure desired quality. They also continue the research on the colours of enamel, designs and styles to meet the demand of the clients. Famous companies include Minh Long 1, Cuong Phat, Nam Viet, Saiga and others.
Pressure on small enterprises
While large enterprises continue the growth, small and medium size enterprises are facing difficulties. They can produce only simple products without high technology, diversified designs or styles. Most of them serve as parts of large enterprises, without direct export or trademark, under strong pressure in production and without hope for expansion or re-investment.
Mr Nguyen Van Huu, Manager of Binh Duong Department of Industry said that the province is planning to move the factories to Tan Thanh ceramic zone (Tan Uyen district). The infrastructure of Section A (104 hectares) will be completed in October 2005 and the factories will be built. The investors will have low land rental with exemption for the first six years. They can also get credits through land use rights. The province offers preferential interest rates and encourages the transfer of technology to protect the environment and increase product quality and competitiveness. 240 enterprises will be moved to Section A and Section B (100 hectares) will be built to complete the moving plan. To promote the outlet, the province helps the enterprise participate in both local and foreign exhibition fairs.
However, the moving has deprived certain enterprises of their advantageous locations. Some solution must be sought to ensure the common interests.
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