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Bamboo furniture increasing in popularity
Following the showcasing of bamboo furniture at a number of events, its popularity in Laos has increased.
Most of the sales are to businesses and embassies, Leudnilanh Agricultural Promotion Export-Import Company Director, Ms Kongkham Vongphasith, told Vientiane Times yesterday.
The company began growing bamboo four years ago and started making furniture last year, she said.
The company has been importing bamboo seedlings from China since 2007, after discovering the high demand for the products in Europe.
The seedlings, which taste sweet, are different from the indigenous Lao bamboo which is bitter.
Europe still needs more bamboo products, especially furniture, to meet market demand.
China and Vietnam are unable to produce a sufficient number of products for export, said Mrs Kongkham.
She hopes that one day the bamboo furniture produced in Laos will be recognised and sought after in the international market, particularly Europe.
The company cultivates about 60 hectares of bamboo, has contract farming arrangements in Pakngum and Naxaithong districts, and plans to expand to Sangthong district as well, Mrs Kongkham said.
She said people from overseas have shown an interest in buying the products but the company lacked the capacity to supply enough for the market.
She expects that if the company expands the farm by about 100 hectares, they will be able to create sufficient products for export to Europe.
Prices for bamboo sofas and other furniture range from two to four million kip, while items such as beds and tables are in the 6-800,000 kip price range, depending on size.
Currently, the highest priced products are about US$400 and she believes that as the quality of products increases they may fetch upwards of US$1,000.
Aside from making a profit, the company aims to provide a good source of income for bamboo producers.
Bamboo is easy to grow and matures quickly, so growers can earn a good income.
Farmers who are interested in buying seedlings can contract with the company for 15,000-30,000 kip.
The company wants to sell seedlings and encourage more interest in bamboo farming in Laos. It will then purchase the mature trees from farmers and make furniture for various markets, Mrs Kongkham said.
vientiane times
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