How to increase the export value of handicraft products?

Increasing the value of handicraft products: To make a breakthrough, we must start with design and packaging Promoting and advertising Hanoi handicraft products in the Hong Kong market (China)

Vietnam currently has more than 2,000 recognized traditional craft villages in various fields such as: rattan weaving, embroidery, ceramics, bronze casting, mosaic, silver carving, and fine art wood. Of which, the export value of handicraft products reaches about 3.5 billion USD per year. The current revenue of craft villages is about 75 trillion VND; creating jobs for nearly 2 million workers.

Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan - Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) - commented that with the global handicraft market reaching 752.2 billion USD and expected to increase by 10% per year, reaching about 1,296.6 billion USD by 2028, Vietnam is facing a great opportunity to have new markets, new income, and share more values about the environment, culture, and uniqueness of Vietnam with global consumers.

Sharing the perspective of Come Home (a brand providing interior decoration solutions for the modern lifestyle of Vietnamese people under Central Retail Vietnam Group) in developing handicraft villages in Vietnam, Ms. Inga Toal - Showroom Manager of Come Home Brand - said: "76% of our interior products are designed and manufactured right in Vietnam. This not only promotes the country's economy but also contributes to encouraging the development of skills among talented Vietnamese artisans".

Appreciating the professionalism and quality of Vietnamese suppliers, according to Ms. Inga Toal, it is their dedication that helps us always ensure international standards for our products. We always consider them as strategic partners in our business journey, and their expertise also contributes to shaping our brand.

The growth trend of Vietnam's handicraft exports is estimated to reach an average of 8% per year. However, craft villages in general and the handicraft industry in particular are still facing many difficulties and challenges in applying science and technology; there is a lack of young qualified workers in craft villages; some sophisticated traditional techniques are at risk of being lost; there is no connection between craft villages; there is a lack of knowledge about the consumer market...

Meritorious artisan Nguyen Van Tinh - Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan weaving village (Hanoi) - shared that many handicrafts are gradually disappearing and "fading away" and need to be restored and developed. Mr. Tinh also proposed to build a policy mechanism for skilled artisans because they are the ones who are silently preserving the cultural beauty of the nation but their lives are still facing many difficulties, and to orient and support craft villages to develop tourism.

According to Ms. Toal, although Vietnamese artisans and workshops have good expertise and high professionalism, a better marketing strategy is needed to bring Vietnamese craft village products to the world and get closer to consumers.

According to Professor Claus - School of Design, Lund University, Sweden - the process of digitalization and application of new technology is an important trend in production in craft villages, helping to preserve and maintain the traditions and heritage of craft villages and create a connection between those traditions, heritages and the younger generation.

Mr. Le Ba Ngoc - Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Handicraft Export Association (Vietcraft) - commented that the trend of consuming and using handicraft products has changed, requiring the production process to be transparent and clear, from the raw material area to the entire product making process.

According to Mr. Le Ba Ngoc, if we invest in developing a systematic design system for the handicraft industry in Vietnam, the export turnover for the industry will not only stop at the current figure of more than 3 billion USD but can soon achieve a growth rate of no less than 30% annually and reach 10 billion USD by 2030.

"It is possible to increase the added value of craft village products through better design, applying information technology to help products ensure food hygiene and safety, and have more messages about humanistic and cultural values," Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan shared, adding that "multi-value integration" is one of the key phrases of the Strategy for Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

In particular, the story of craft villages is increasingly important because here not only raw products are sold but also products that have undergone preliminary processing, processing, products that have gone through the talented hands of craftsmen, crystallizing the cultural, traditional, and environmental values of craft villages.

“ The world is increasingly appreciating traditional values , authenticity and craftsmanship. Come Home customers increasingly prefer products made in Vietnam , ” said Inga Toal, adding that we believe that Vietnamese craft villages contain a priceless treasure of tradition and craftsmanship. We will continue to work with Vietnamese brands, suppliers and craft villages to bring more products to the shelves next year and connect consumers to more Vietnamese craft village products.