By San Yu Maw (IPRD)
The State Administration Council is endeavouring to improve productivity in agro-based industries for the economic development of the State. Moreover, the One Region-One Product policy is being implemented to promote the specific products of each region and state for grassroots economic growth, leveraging diversity for a competitive market and bringing about micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development.
Pakokku Township in central Myanmar is also focused on bolstering MSME development with value addition and innovations to agricultural products. The following is the interview with the owner of Sein Ngar Pwint yarn dyeing chemicals, natural yarn dye, and the yarn and cotton business in Pakokku Township, Magway Region.
Q: Would you mind introducing your business and owner?
A: We conduct the MSME cotton-textile industry under the name of Sein Ngar Pwint yarn dyeing chemicals, natural yarn dye, yarn and cotton business. It is the family business, and ownership lies within the family of U Hla Khine, spouse Daw Khin San Win and children.
Q: When did you start this business?
A: I started to run this in 1980 with a couple of traditional weaving looms with wage workers.
Q: How did you get into this business?
A: When my father retired as a civil servant, we considered starting our own business. Cotton is one of our regional products. This way, we got an idea of how to execute this business.
Q: Could you please tell me about your products?
A: We have a wide range of cotton products, including blankets, towels, tablecloths, pillowcases, different types of nether garments (longyi) and cloth. We offer about 50 different kinds of blankets and a dozen types of towels with innovative and trendy designs. In addition to the finished cotton products, we sell weaving yarn and yarn dyes as well.
Q: Would you mind explaining the condition of the cotton market and the best-selling product?
A: The majority of the people from Pakokku Township are interested in cotton. Our distribution network covers Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Aunglan, Thayet, Hpa-an, Gangaw, Monywa and Taunggyi cities, having sales representatives in each area. We focus on the right price for our wholesalers and retailers. The best-selling items are blankets, tablecloths, towels, longyi and cotton clothes. They are popular regional products of central arid Myanmar as souvenirs. We are committed to attracting more customers with our products.
Q: Please elaborate on raw materials sourcing.
A: We purchase raw materials from textile mills in Mandalay.
Q: Could you please explain the manufacturing process?
A: We do the yarn weaving, spinning and dyeing the raw materials first. Then, we conduct yarn to the fabric manufacturing process step by step.
Q: How many labourers do your business hire? I would like to know the number of looms.
A: We run the business with three to ten looms in each nearby villages (Kyauksauk, Laytan, Gyi) in Pakokku City. The castes of people associated with this business are 50-100 labourers. Moreover, we also connect with those working in traditional weaving businesses on a manageable scale in Pakokku, Myitchay and Yesakyo areas for sourcing.
Q: Is there a State’s contribution to this business? Do you connect to the departments concerned?
A: There is no State contribution to it, yet we have connected with the related departments.
Q: Have you had experiences in exhibiting your products at the national-level regional products expo?
A: We have yet to join the national-level expo amid the labour shortages and other difficulties. However, we showcase the diverse selection of our products as regional products during the visit of the heads of the State and officials of the Pakokku’s departments.
Q: Please let me know if you have any difficulties running this business.
A: We did a roaring trade earlier. The circumstances in the region and the hike in the cost of raw materials sourcing triggered by transport disruption affect the manufacturing process. We continue to hire the workers even if the demand has faltered. That is why we have to invest mainly in it to avoid involuntary job loss.
Q: Could you deliver some message to young entrepreneurs?
A: Prior to the step-ups, I would like to encourage young entrepreneurs to assess the market size and potential demand for their products and services and conduct thorough risk-benefit analysis in a structured and comprehensive way to take their business to the next level.
Q: What is the attraction of Pakokku cotton products?
A: Those cotton products can be worn throughout the year. They are suitable and most relaxed fabrics for summer and hot weather as they soak up sweat and help the heat escape the body. Naturally, cotton can sustain body warmth in winter. The cotton products have unique abilities to be effective in both warmer and chilly weather. I think that’s why most people fall for them.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add to the discussion?
A: Pakokku’s cotton fabrics are a regional product that is popular among locals as they can be worn in any season. It is lighter when packing for a trip. The product is suitable for souvenirs as well. We are committed to offering the right products to our customers. I’m so honoured to help create job opportunities for the locals.
Translation: EM
