Bonanza for handicrafts!

The handicraft industry of Bangladesh had been exporting since the period after independence but in the 2017-18 period, the sector has earned the county $ 16.69 million, recording a commendable growth of 15.26 per cent. With incentives from the government, including low interest loans to availability of raw materials, have proved to be a boon for the handicraft sector – an area that has carved a niche spot in the global market amidst the boom of tech based products.   

The SME Foundation certainly deserves kudos for providing loans at easy conditions without which this sector would not have experienced the current robust form. Bangladesh already exports to middle-eastern nations, Europe and USA though the focus should be to create new markets in the burgeoning economies of Africa where eco-friendly items are in high demand. For instance, in Nigeria, the government is trying to crackdown on the rampant usage of plastic bags with a biodegradable alternative. Bangladesh can easily look to export large amounts of hand produced bags made from natural materials available in abundance within the country. Also, our handicraft manufacturers need to occupy a big chunk of the $ 1 billion global market since China and other south-east Asian nations are concentrating more on high-tech manufacturing.

This sector employs 50 lakh people – an indication that the handicraft sector is considerable in size. At this moment, with optimism in abundance, the priority should be to diversify products by getting an idea about what items are in demand in other nations. A judicious move would be to organize an international handicraft symposium with buyers from all over the world. On such a platform, the current day necessities will become clear while manufacturers can build up networks for potential orders. Another strategic move would be to establish handicraft training centres outside Dhaka aimed at skill enhancement of district based women and housewives. Emancipation of women will take place with the expansion of the trade across the country.  Revival of the handicrafts industry, however, lies in the development of infrastructure, provision of financial support to artisans, establishment of direct links between buyers and artisans, elimination of middlemen and improved marketing facilities. These industries make effective use of local raw materials which also promotes primary industries like agriculture.

A vibrant handicraft sector will not only improve the standard of living of millions of people but also reduce the pace of migration from rural areas to the cities.  To showcase handicrafts from Bangladesh, embassies in different countries can also play a pivotal role, organizing exhibitions with the help of foreign buyers.

 

 

Bonanza for handicrafts!

The handicraft industry of Bangladesh had been exporting since the period after independence but in the 2017-18 period, the sector has earned the county $ 16.69 million, recording a commendable growth of 15.26 per cent. With incentives from the government, including low interest loans to availability of raw materials, have proved to be a boon for the handicraft sector an area that has carved a niche spot in the global market amidst the boom of tech based products. The SME Foundation certainly deserves kudos for providing loans at easy conditions without which this sector would not have experienced the current robust form. Bangladesh already exports to middle-eastern nations, Europe and USA though the focus should be to create new markets in the burgeoning economies of Africa where eco-friendly items are in high demand. For instance, in Nigeria, the government is trying to crackdown on the rampant usage of plastic bags with a biodegradable alternative. Bangladesh can easily look to export large amounts of hand produced bags made from natural materials available in abundance within the country. Also, our handicraft manufacturers need to occupy a big chunk of the $ 1 billion global market since China and other south-east Asian nations are concentrating more on high-tech manufacturing. This sector employs 50 lakh people an indication that the handicraft sector is considerable in size. At this moment, with optimism in abundance, the priority should be to diversify products by getting an idea about what items are in demand in other nations. A judicious move would be to organize an international handicraft symposium with buyers from all over the world. On such a platform, the current day necessities will become clear while manufacturers can build up networks for potential orders. Another strategic move would be to establish handicraft training centres outside Dhaka aimed at skill enhancement of district based women and housewives. Emancipation of women will take place with the expansion of the trade across the country. Revival of the handicrafts industry, however, lies in the development of infrastructure, provision of financial support to artisans, establishment of direct links between buyers and artisans, elimination of middlemen and improved marketing facilities. These industries make effective use of local raw materials which also promotes primary industries like agriculture. A vibrant handicraft sector will not only improve the standard of living of millions of people but also reduce the pace of migration from rural areas to the cities. To showcase handicrafts from Bangladesh, embassies in different countries can also play a pivotal role, organizing exhibitions with the help of foreign buyers.