Ceramic and porcelain sector is among Binh Duong’s few traditional craft sectors to reap success in export. But, export market for the sector has faced difficulties in 2013. Province-based enterprises in this field have made efforts to speed up trade promotion to seek a way-out for their products.  

Dai Hong Phat Company’s pottery items now become favorites of many people

Number of orders, profit down

According to Binh Duong Ceramics Association (Bicera), European countries have still encountered an economic recession with spending tightened.

It is estimated that province-based ceramic and porcelain enterprises will see a 15% or 20% reduction in the number of export orders in 2013. But, there is also an increase in the number of export orders in some enterprises. The number of export orders at Cuong Phat Porcelain Company has risen by 15% compared to 2012. Or, Phuoc Vu Long Porcelain Company has reached a growth by 50% in the number of export orders compared to 2012… Thanks to its domestic turnover reaching 80% of total, Minh Long I Porcelain Company has still worked very stably.

Input costs on constant increase

Province-based enterprises in the ceramic and porcelain field have faced a lot of hurdles in terms of workforce. Currently, there is an redundance in the number of unskilled laborers while technical ones are scarce, especially in year-end months, a peak period of the ceramic and porcelain sector.

Along with a shortage of technical workforce, they have also met with difficulties in production and business, due to input costs on sharp increase. In August 2013, the price of gas was around US$1,080 a ton, up US$220 a ton compared to the corresponding period last year. Kaolin was sold at between VND500,000 and VND550,000 a kg, up more than 30% compared to the corresponding period last year…

Measures

At a meeting on removing enterprises’ hurdles and supporting market with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Bicera Chairman Ly Ngoc Minh said: “In the face of lacking skilled laborers, Bicera has suggested provincial leaders to open training programs on skills of pottery production at vocational training facilities, making a qualified workforce for the local ceramic and porcelain sector in the future”.

Authorities at all levels of the province also need to deliberate and take measures to advocate the local ceramic and porcelain enterprises that have faced many difficulties, due to the lack of export orders, the sharp increase of input material prices…, said Mr.Ly Ngoc Minh

According to Bicera, enterprises in this field need to focus on trade promotion, stabilize old markets and expand potential ones in order to overcome difficulties and stabilize production. It is known that Bicera also organized a delegation of 20 enterprises to visit and work at an expo on materials, machines, equipment for production held in Thailand’s Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

It is expected that Bicera will sort out 12 members to participate in the Lifestyle Vietnam Trade Fair 2014 to be held from April 18 to 21, 2014. Bicera will also register to take part in the VifaFair 2014 on March 2014 and especially map out plans to participate expos at home and abroad while maintaining activities on advertising of pottery products of Vietnam in general and Binh Duong in particular at European market and in the world as well…

Reported by Bao Anh-Translated by K.T