Research that works for developing countries and Australia
Value adding to Lao PDR plantation timber products
Commissioned Organisation: University of Melbourne, Australia Project Leader Dr Barbara Ozarska
Phone: 03 9250 6878
Fax: 03 9250 6877
Email: bo@unimelb.edu.au Collaborating Institutions:
- National University of Laos, Laos
- Burapha Agroforestry Co Ltd, Laos
- Lao Furniture Industry Association, Laos
- Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts, Laos
- Pakpasak Technical School, Laos
Project Duration: 01/01/2007 - 31/12/2010ACIAR Research Program Manager Project Overview Plantations of eucalypts and teak are grown in parts of Laos. Some of this timber is processed locally for furniture manufacture, with most timber sold for export. Few products are made, as the Lao timber processing industry is relatively new. The majority of timber is cut down in local sawmills then exported to Vietnam and Thailand. Opportunities exist to expand Lao timber processing and manufacturing so more value adding can be carried out and the returns captured locally. Enhancing the range, quality and value of products produced from locally-grown timber will be conducted through the development of appropriate timber processing, the introduction of new technologies and application of quality controls.
Project Progress Reports Year One The project is progressing well and complies with the project objectives.
The major activities during the 1st year of the project duration are as follows:
1. The formation of "The Industry Cluster", a network of 9 furniture companies and 1 sawmill which will be actively participating in the project's on-going activities. The Cluster was selected by the Project Steering Committee according to strict criteria, with two major requirements being the use of plantation timbers and sustainable production.
2. A detailed analysis of the current capabilities of the companies involved in the Industry Cluster was undertaken. This allowed the identification of relevant strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the timber and furniture industry in Laos. The results of the assessment formed the basis for the development of recommendations on improved processing, drying and manufacturing processes applicable in Laos. These include: - Production methods: efficient sawing of timber, drying, machining, gluing, joining, finishing and assembly into final products, as well as occupational health and safety procedures.
- Improved infrastructure which is vital to the industry in order for it to meet the recommendations (purchasing new machinery, equipment, tools). - Provision of technical skills and training.
- An efficient and optimal supply chain system designed specifically for the Laos forestry and timber industries.
The results of the industry assessment and the proposed recommendations for improvements were presented at the workshop organised in February 2008 in Vientiane. The workshop involved the members of the Industry Cluster, all participants of the project and relevant government representatives.
3. The analysis of current and future plantation timber resources (teak and eucalyptus) was undertaken. The study included tree planting techniques, volume per hectare for various tree ages and growing rate. The report provides important data for the Lao timber industry on the future availability of plantation timbers for the production of high value wood products.
4. Young plantation timber (teak and eucalyptus camaldulensis) was selected and transported to Melbourne. The University of Melbourne will undertake testing of physical and mechanical properties as well as processing characteristics of these species. This data is essential for designing wood products and for developing production parameters.
5. An intensive training in Australia was provided to twelve Lao trainees who represented the project's participating organisations. The training was undertaken in wood processing (at the Timber Training Centre, Creswick) and in furniture manufacturing (at the Victorian Furnishing Industry Training Centre, Melbourne).
The major outcome of the 1st year project activities has been the identification of area where improvements can be made and further developments are necessary to make the Lao timber and furniture industry internationally competitive. With these changes the industry has a good chance of succeeding. A pleasing indicator is the strong commitment from the Lao government to support the industry in maximising timber value adding opportunities, which should be highly commended. This commitment, combined with the enthusiasm of the companies to change and modernise their production processes promises positive outcomes.
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