The Bamboo and Rattan Sectors in Asia: an Analysis of ... - INBAR

3. The current market is highly volatile, with the inherent seasonality and
perishability of the commodities (shoots and culms) coupled with rapid entry and
exit from the market by traders, and relatively poor information systems. Farmers
could organize themselves into marketing associations or collectives that would give
them stronger bargaining power.
4. The manufacturing industries should further diversify their products and
markets. Currently more than 50% of product exported go to just three destinations:
Japan, Korea and Taiwan-China.
5. Manufacturers would also benefit from greater stability in raw material supply.
This could be achieved through stronger linkages among raw material buyers and
suppliers.
6. Research is required: to further increase productivity in both shoots and culms
production; to lengthen the feasible harvest period for both shoots and culms as a
means to reduce the fluctuation in supplies to the industries; to help determine optimal
shoots versus culms production trade-offs: to improve the quality and efficiency of
production of bamboo-based products.
The Rattan Sector
The Laos Rattan Sector 14
Introduction
Commercial trade in rattan in Laos was very much limited and restricted to
domestic consumption until about 1990. Export trade emerged when supplies from
the traditional rattan producers declined in the international market. There is a growing
domestic rattan furniture market and increasing exports of semi-processed rattan,
mainly to Vietnam. Rattan is also important as food in Laos (as in parts of Thailand):
rattan shoots are considered a delicacy, and thought to promote good health. Although
wild natural stands are the main source of rattan shoots, farmers are increasingly
taking up rattan cultivation for shoot production.
The rattan sector in Laos is relatively small. There are a few commercial-scale
rattan furniture manufacturers. The total annual allowable cut (AAC) in 1995-96 was
649 000 large diameter canes and 425 000 small diameter canes (each of 4.5-5 m
length). The recorded harvests, however, were well below the AAC limits.
Nevertheless, rattan forms a critical part of the income of those involved in gathering
it, and it is growing in importance in terms of employment generation and export earnings.
14 By Vongvilay Vongkhamsao, Khamphone Sengdala and Bouahome Sengkhamyong (Forest Research
Center, Department of Forestry, Vientiane, Laos).
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