Rattan, bamboo products industry faces challenges

Yangon November 25

Rattan and bamboo product industry is facing challenges because of the increase in price of raw materials and scarcity of skilled workers though there is steady demand for the products both in local and foreign markets, according to Myanmar Rattan and Bamboo Producers Association.

‘‘While the transportation costs have increased, the prices of raw materials have also upped because of procedural changes, coupled with scarcity of skilled workers, have negative impact on the  industry,” said U Kyaw Thu, chairman of Myanmar Rattan and Bamboo Producers Association.

The chairman has called on the government to simplify the export procedures and provide assistance for better competitiveness in foreign markets.

Almost 90 percent of Myanmar’ rattan and bamboo products are exported to foreign countries as finished products, with the larger proportion shipped to EU, and smaller proportions to Australia, South Korea, Japan and US. 

Rattan and bamboo are mainly grown in Kachin, Rakhine and Mon states and Ayeyawady Region whereas finished products are produced in Ayeyawady and Yangon regions.

The Myawady Daily