Thandwe’s coconut shell handicrafters look for new markets

By DMG 23 Jun 2021

DMG Newsroom
23 June 2021, Thandwe 

Home goods and an array of other items made of coconut shells are products in search of new markets, the makers in Arakan State’s Thandwe Township have lamented.  

The local business started in 2006 in Thandwe Township, and coconut-based handicrafts grew in popularity for more than a decade, until buyers became scarce in more recent years.  

Products such as tea jars, cups, bowls, lamps, flower pots, spoons, keychains, and other handicrafts such as small sculptures are currently being produced, said U Wunna Maung from Thandwe Township. 

“There are two types of coconut handicrafts. One is made by using the inner, hard shell of the coconut and another is made using the outer shell,” he explained. “Dragon, monkey and owl sculptures and other products are made from outer shells. Hard shells are used in making coffee mugs, water bowls, ashtrays, flower pots, candle bowls, plates, et cetera.”  

But producers say it has been almost two years that they have struggled to sell their coconut goods because few visitors have arrived due to conflict in Arakan State and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Industry stakeholders now hope promotion of the products will open up new markets and expand the business. 

“If a company or organisation told us to produce these products to resell in the market, we could do it,” said U Wunna Maung. “It is a business suitable for elders to get income. As we target travellers, it is important to get a market, as we’ve had no travellers during the COVID-19 period. It will be convenient if a market is created.” 

Tourism in Thandwe Township and Arakan State more broadly has been hard-hit by the pandemic and fighting between the military and Arakan Army from late 2018 to October 2020.