Bali's Exports Of Bamboo Handicrafts Quadruple In Value

Denpasar, Bali, July 23 (Antara) - The Bali regional trade and industry office recorded a surge in exports of bamboo handicraft products in the first five months of this year. Bali`s exports of bamboo handicraft products were valued at US$10.8 million in the January-May period , up from US$2.3 million in the same period last year. "This shows that handicraft products from bamboo are growing in demand in international markets such as in the United States, Europe and Australia," Made Darma, a producer of bamboo handicraft in the regency of Gianyar said on Wednesday. The village of Blega in the district of Gianyar is the main producer of bamboo handicraft in Bali. The increase in the export value also indicated that global economic crisis has no effect on bamboo handicraft exports, Made said. Local producers succeeded in increasing exports as they could meet the designs and forms requested by buyers abroad, he said. Many buyers placed order for bamboo handicraft products with certain designs and forms, he said. Producers , however, are facing growing difficulties in obtaining bamboo to meet the growing demand, he said, adding bamboo has to be brought in from Java or Lombok.