|
Laos: Timber industry urged to boost value of end products
Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Nam Vinhaket yesterday called for the Lao Wooden Products Industry Association and Lao Furniture Association to increase the value of their products in order to boost standards in the timber processing industry.
 |
| Dr Nam Vinhaket ( right ) addresses the meeting. |
Dr Nam was addressing a consultation meeting on the management of the wood products industry, held in Vientiane on Tuesday.
Meeting participants discussed ways they could enhance the range, quality and value of products produced from plantation-grown timber in Laos.
“If we successfully manage the timber industry, it will provide employment for Lao people and will help to put a stop to the export of logs and timber,” he said.
“High value wood products that meet international standards and product specifications will be able to compete in international markets.”
This will also help Laos to attain WTO membership as the country edges closer to that target.
Quality control measures and product performance requirements that need to be developed for the Lao industry will assist in improving product quality for the local and export markets, said Dr Nam.
He pointed out that, generally, product development procedures do not follow any standards or specifications regarding design, quality or performance.
Although some products are innovative and well designed, their quality should be improved so they can compete in international markets.
It is evident that the production process in the majority of companies assessed is not properly designed and managed, resulting in low productivity and inefficiency.
Dr Nam also said that too much wood is stored at timber processing plants, which significantly limits the space available for machining operations.
A lack of knowledge about the requirements of timber used for high value applications may result in significant deterioration of the end product, he added.
He also recommended that a grading regulation system is developed for the timber industry.
To manage and use wood products efficiently, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mr Kissana Vongsay said the government should support the sector by enforcing laws and regulations regarding illegal logging.
Mr Kissana said that limiting the export of logs and timber was generating revenue for the country because more wood was being retained and processed in Laos. This meant that value was being added to wood products prior to their export.
Businesses should concentrate on improving quality and quantity, and pay attention to the information and standards required by international markets.
Mr Kissana said companies should provide training for their workers in line with the government's human resources policy, using their more experienced workers to provide in-house training.
vientiane times
|
