What’s your assessment of consumer products made in Laos?

The government is taking steps to boost production in order to reduce the amount of goods imported, as well as to control the rising price of fuel and goods to ease the impact on the economy and the general public. Vientiane Times asked for people’s thoughts on Lao-made products.

 Ms Ting, a government official from Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province: There are many products made in Laos. I often buy them and use them every day such as salt, dishwashing liquid, washing powder, and other items. Some things are good quality but others are not. Manufacturers should improve the quality of their goods so as to attract more customers, both in Laos and internationally. I think the most important thing is for manufacturers to advertise their goods so they have greater appeal.
 
Ms Koud Vongdala, a food producer from Vientiane province: Laos has an abundance of raw materials that can be put to good use but we lack the technology needed to improve our products, including packaging. This means we have to import a lot of things from other countries, which drives up the cost of production and means that some products made in Laos are quite expensive. I make food items using local ingredients, which generates an income for me and for other people, and the things we make are of good quality. Of course, I want to promote products made by Lao people, and I encourage everyone to think twice before buying things made in other countries. The sectors concerned should make it easier to obtain a product quality certificate, as well as fairly and transparently support producers so they can get their goods to markets.

Ms Orravanh, a visitor from Hadxaifong district, Vientiane: I don’t know how many kinds of Lao products there actually are. I always use Lao salt and other small items in my kitchen. But when I go to a market, minimart or supermarket, almost everything on display is made in Thailand or another country. I can hardly see anything that’s made in Laos. Quite often I buy something because it’s a brand I’m familiar with and use regularly. I don’t mind trying new things, but I’m a bit concerned about the quality of some Lao products. I’m not sure that they have genuine certificates that guarantee their quality.
  
Ms Vieng, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: I would like to support Lao products, but when I see the price, I’m not sure which is going to be the best for my pocket. For example, recently I bought some washing powder made in Laos which cost 58,000 kip, but an imported brand was on sale at 48,000 kip. Why should things made in Laos cost more than imported goods? The government wants to encourage everyone to buy Lao products but when the price is high and the quality is dubious, who is going to do so? The bodies responsible should make sure that goods have public appeal before trying to persuade us all to buy them. And what is the government doing to help manufacturers cut production costs?
    
Ms Souvantha, an employee in Vientiane: I think it’s essential to promote products made in Laos. Lao products are as good as those made in other countries, and each item is unique in some way. But we lack effective promotion and advertising. It would be good if the government had firm policies on this issue.  If Lao-made products were available in sufficient quantities, it would reduce the amount of goods imported from neighbouring countries and it would be easier to regulate prices and prevent price hikes by vendors.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update June 8, 2022)