Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - The exports of plastic crafts created by Balinese artisans reached US$13,132 million during the period between January and July this year.

The exports have increased by 43.21 percent as compared to US$9,170 million recorded during the same period last year, Panasunan Siregar, the head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Bali, stated here on Tuesday.

He affirmed that the realization of foreign trade for plastic craft items has increased by 40.18 percent from 11,985 million units in the first seven months of 2013 to 16,802 million units in the same period in 2014.

The plastic craft industry is among the six types of cottage industries, which have successfully managed to penetrate the foreign markets by contributing 4.36 percent to Balis total export value of US$300, 957 million.

Siregar noted that of all the plastic souvenirs exported, 11.80 percent were sold in the Italian market, following the United States at 3.89 percent, Spain 2.99 percent, Singapore 2.83 percent, French 2.82, Japan 1.97 percent, Germany 1.69 percent, and UK 0.98 percent.

Meanwhile, the remaining 67.79 percent of the total exported plastic souvenirs were sent to various other countries around the world.

Balinese artists showcase their creativity by making various kinds of souvenirs from plastic raw materials, and therefore, their products are fairly competitive in the international markets and are in demand in foreign countries.

The souvenirs feature various types of ornamental designs that are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hotels.
(T.KR-LWA/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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