Myanmar bamboo industry needs more artisans for global competition

For Myanmar’s bamboo products to penetrate the overseas markets, more bamboo artisans are necessary. Currently, there are just a few training sessions on bamboo craftwork, according to bamboo growers and producers.
“Bamboo products have become fairly widespread worldwide. In EU countries, Malaysian-made bamboo products have gained popularity. We can’t expand this industry yet,” said an official from Myanmar Bamboo Society.
Networking needs to be expanded to compete in the global market, and the authorities also need to encourage the business, she said.
“If we are capable of mass production, we can compete in the international market. Training on bamboo handicrafts has been conducted occasionally in our country, but too few. We need support to compete in the international market. Bamboo production has been still weak in the local market.
Some trainers can foster new skilled bamboo handicraft workers. But we should hire international experts, if necessary, from our neighbours such as China and Thailand. Indonesia is an expert in making detailed bamboo handiworks,” she said.
More training and proper bamboo conservation are needed to expand the bamboo handicraft industry in Myanmar.
“Our bamboo society is able to work depending on support. Instead of selling bamboo in its raw stage, we want to help the country earn more income by making bamboo into value-added products. Training should be provided. We need to grow bamboo ourselves because if we cut bamboo, the forest will be depleted, and we can’t get the quality we want,” the official elaborated. — Thit Taw/ZS/ED