Funding Issue Hampers Batik Export Dreams

GAUGING from the interest expressed by foreign buyers, a batik textile entrepreneur is hoping to expand into the export market with additional funding from government sources. Without this extra financial assistance, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim said he would not be able to meet demand although the business is export ready.

Batik prints from Batek Desamas. Pictures: Courtesy of Batek Desamas

Bringing in a bit of modernity and maintaining quality standards is helping the proprietor of Batik Desamas maintain his share of the niche market of batik textiles. With two months to go before his new designs are launched, the entrepreneur is confident he will be able to make the sales. To meet the demands of foreign buyers, however, Zainal said the business needs extra funding. 

In an interview with The Brunei Times, he said, "The demand is there; the people outside especially, (they are interested by the ) uniqueness of design and probably, they can see the difference in the design (compared to) other countries." 

He added, working with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) has enabled him to gain more exposure to foreign markets; but with increased interest comes the challenge of supplying beyond his current capacity. "The response was good (from foreign buyers) but this is only in terms of the demonstration, not selling," he said. "What I can see (however) is the demand, the opportunities." 

His outlet is located in Sumbangsih Mulia Building, Gadong but Zainal also has a space to sell his products at the Cruise Ship Centre in the Muara Port Terminal, giving him exposure to tourists, particularly European passengers. "They buy some of my material, so that is how I can evaluate (whether) they like the quality. To me it's quite interesting, because they went to so many places in the country, and of course they are very familiar with the material (and) what they want."

A majority of his customers say they are drawn to the quality of his batik products, he said.

He noted that the business hasn't made any "positive transactions" yet in terms of European foreign exports, but there are enquiries about price and how the designs differ from other batik products. Because he is operating in such a limited niche market, Zainal admits that in relative terms, his sales volumes may be mistaken for lack of good business. "I don't do volume, because my strength is quite limited so of course (with) the financing, I'm quite limited in that, I do whatever I can afford. But hopefully if I get help from other sources, probably, the production can increase." 

The businessman is now looking to experiment with new fabrics, in the hopes that international and regional buyers will be caught by the batik 'bug'. 

Zainal said that he is now experimenting with a new type of cotton that has textural qualities akin to silk. "The cotton that I use ... will be more interesting; the material is outsourced from Europe," he said, adding that he was also "quite interested to see it, because I've never seen it before". 

"When I bought this material, and I tried to make my product into the batik (and) it looks quite interesting. I'm really quite surprised. That's why I feel, if (this product is) already in the market, it would be sellable - this would be something people are looking for and it's suited to the community here in Brunei." While the imported material would add to his costs, Zainal is confident he can make the necessary adjusments in other areas. The important thing right now is to plan for expansion into the export market. 

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/business-national/2010/06/13/funding-issue-hampers-export-dreams