Bamboo handicrafts are among the 14 products made by Bali`s small handicraft industry.Denpasar (ANTARA News) - Bali has succeeded in generating foreign exchange gains of up to US$1.64 million from the sale of bamboo handicrafts in the two-month period of January-February 2012 - an increase of 12.97 percent from the corresponding figure of US$1.41 million generated during the same period last year.
The Head of the Human Resources bureau for Bali province, I Ketut Teneng, stated that the volume of exports for the merchandise has increased from 746,402 units during the first two months of 2011 to 1.40 million units during the first two months of 2012 - an increase of about 88.14 percent.
Teneng remarked in Denpasar on Friday that the foreign exchange gains from the shipment of the merchandise have correspondingly increased. Last year`s profits of US$9.54 million have now risen to US$10.47 million for 2012 - an increase of about 9.77 percent from last year.
The sale of bamboo souvenirs shaped into various designs by Balinese craftsmen has managed to contribute as much as 2.30 percent to Bali`s total exports, which totaled US$70.19 million during the first two months of 2012.
Bamboo handicrafts are among the 14 products made by Bali`s small handicraft industry that have managed to enter the international market and have altogether contributed 34.75 percent of Bali`s non-mineral and energy exports.
Teneng also explained that the handicrafts, consisting of woven bamboo and rattan, have received huge attention from international consumers. The exported handicrafts include newspaper racks, baskets, cone-shaped hats, wallets and various other unique souvenirs.
While the export of bamboo handicrafts has succeeded in breaking through to the international market, international tourists visiting the Island of Gods also purchase these handicrafts as souvenirs for taking back home.
(Uu.AH/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
