Xuan Lai bamboo receive collective trademark recognition

Residents of Xuan Lai village in Gia Binh district have made high-quality furniture from smoked bamboo for generations. Last year, Xuan Lai was recognised as a traditional craft village by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. 

The collective trademark recognition is the result of a project stared in 2016 by the local Department of Science and Technology. The department worked with relevant authorities to develop the Xuan Lai bamboo and rattan collective brand. Conferences on building a logo, management and use of the brand were held.

The project helps affirm the traditional value of the craft village, avoid abuses of the local brand and prevents counterfeit products.

Popularising the Xuan Lai bamboo brand also supports local tourism development.

Xuan Lai traditional craft village has a long history. Formerly, villagers made smoked bamboo products for their daily use, such as baskets, beds and chairs. However, the handicraft has been expanded and bamboo has become a product with high economic and artistic value. 

Some 255 local households make handicrafts from smoked bamboo, 45 of which produce high-quality fine art and handicrafts. The village raked in 40-VND50 billion (US$1.76 million -2.2 million) per year from bamboo product sales.

Nguyen Ba Thanh, Director of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, said that collective trademarks were earlier given to Dong Ky wood, Phu Lang pottery, Dai Bai bronze, Ho chicken and Que Vo potato.

Que Vo rice and Xuan Hoi bamboo and rattan are registering for local collective trademark, he said.