Resuming Business: Bagan's Lacquer ware Industry

Local handicraft houses are hoping to resume their businesses as the hotels and tourism industry is preparing to reopen its services.

In Bagan, Lacquerware business owners plan to operate the business which has been halted by the outbreak of COVID-19. Lacquer wares from Bagan are very famous and their various handmade products attract many local and foreign visitors. But the sales have been decreased as the tourism services were suspended by the global pandemic.

Myo Min Tun, Shwe Leik Pya Lacquer Ware Industry said "Before the outbreak of COVID-19, we have good market demands. Now, we have only a few visitors, and some hotels have suspended their operations. So, our business also halted. Now, hotels are preparing to reopen. So, we plan to call back our employees to resume the business."

Various designs of lacquerware and handmade products have been produced for decoration purpose, especially in the hotel industry. The products are mainly made up with the use of bamboo and palms.

Thein Oo, Shwe Leik Pya Lacquer Ware Industry said "With our art of handicraft, we can manufacture beautiful and qualified Myanmar products, accepted internationally. In the past, we only produce only the products with the designs as usual. Now, we create new designs and thus, we can create more works for the workers. It is benefit for us and for our country as well."

Thet Wai San, Shwe Leik Pya Lacquer Ware Industry said "I do livelihood with this business. I want my business to be famous and popular among the customers. We also put on sale our products online via Facebook page."

The Lacquerware industry has been established for nearly two centuries in Bagan and has been used in most everyday utensils. Nowadays, handicrafts with various designs have been manufactured in large workshops, especially for foreign tourists.