In the past decade, Japan imported 10-30% of total export of Vietnam crafts and fine arts. However, comparing with the potential, the above figure is still limited as Japan is in high demand for crafts and fine arts. However, to improve this figure, Vietnamese enterprises need to find the appropriate direction.

Within the framework of the International Trade Fair Vietnam Expo 2010 held recently in Hanoi, 19 Vietnamese enterprises operating in the manufacturing and trading in handicrafts and 26 import Japanese enterprises had many opportunities for cooperation to enhance the export turnover of Vietnam.

According to Japanese experts, the price and quality of Vietnam crafts and fine arts are good, especially embroidery products. Next time, the made-in-Vietnam handy embroidery can create fashional trends in Japan, and be welcomed by Japanese youth.

However, according to Ms. Atsuko Sera – Director of Incube Nishitetsu Company (Japan), Vietnamese enterprises should pay more attention to the design to create its own products as  "made in Vietnam" products are still be confused with products made from other Asian countries, it is difficult to increase export value. Thus, enterprises must create mechanisms to be able to produce larger quantities of products for export or to produce in small quantities, the price can be high but the quality can be better.

The most difficult point is China-made crafts and fine arts overflow into Japanese market. Thus, to meet the needs of Japanese consumers, Vietnam-made crafts and fine arts must meet two elements: product design and price. If two factors are done well, products of Vietnam will certainly have good growth in the Japanese market. In addition, the Japanese prefer good quality products and the products that the artist must spend effort and enthusiasm to make it. Such products will have a long life in the Japanese market.

Mr Sugi Ryotaro – Japan-Vietnam Special Friendship Ambassador, who initiated the exhibition, said that in Japan almost each village has a village job, it means that each village only produces one type of products so the products has good quality, and includes the effort and enthusiasm of producer. If Vietnam can do such things, the vitality of handicraft products will be longer and will be accepted in Japanese market. It means that each product of craft and fine art must create Vietnamese brand names, quality reliability will be located in the brand./. (Translated by Hong Chau – SCT News)