Handicraft sector eyes emerging markets in 2013

HANDICRAFT exporters are actively looking to penetrate more high growth and emerging markets in a bid to achieve a 10-percent growth in 2013 from last year's estimate of $130 million.

"Top countries we are looking at are Brazil, Uruguay and Peru. There are new country entrants - African countries. Russia is a good market, it is very consistent in its position in emerging markets. Also Vietnam," said Dennis Orlina, president of the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries Incorporated (PCHI).

Orlina said industry players are also working with countries which are not really hit by the European economic crisis, including Germany and Italy.

Apart from Germany, the sector's biggest markets are the United States and Japan, he said.

Orlina believes that the Philippines has the ability to tap these huge markets.

"China supplies products having the same look. That's helping us get the orders now because we have something new to offer. Our designs have always been appreciated. Philippine products are much sought after (by consumers)," he noted.

To capture more buyers, Orlina said handicraft makers are working on expanding the utilization of indigenous materials such as abaca and bamboo.