Vietnam: Traditional craft hits modern woes.

Section: General News - A formidable pair in the national handicraft industry, the humble bamboo and rattan have also made Vietnam globally dominant in the weaving crafts industry.

The country boasts one of the most developed and diverse bamboo and rattan craft industry in the world.

Of around 2,000 traditional craft villages in Vietnam, there are 713 specializing in making woven products of bamboo and rattan.

The products are not only sold heavily in the domestic market, but they have also become popular exports to many countries and territories, netting increased turnovers over the years.

In 2000, exports of bamboo and rattan products …