Handicrafts:

Handicrafts are mostly defined as "items made by hand, often with the use of
simple tools, and are generally artistic and for traditional in nature. They are also
object of utility and object of decoration. Some common types of handicrafts are
Textile based handicrafts, Clay, Metal, Jewelers, Woodwork, Stone Craft, Glass and
Ceramic.

Handicrafts in Bangladesh:
Handicraft sector in Bangladesh is comprises with small manufacturing units and
mostly located in rural areas, operated either by the owner themselves or with the
assistance of a small work force of 10-20 people. Most enterprises use traditional
techniques with or without the use of tools or simple instruments. Total number of
workforce associated with the industry stands approximately over 3 millions of
which over three quarters are employed in textile, jute goods, wood, lather, cane
and bamboo.. Key players in the sector involved in domestic supplies as well as
exporters are:1.
1. Non Government Organization (NGO) exporters of Handicrafts. (Eg.Arong)
2. NGO supportive product house (Non exporters)
3. Private manufacturers /exporters. (Eg. Various jute good manufacturers)
4. Small private manufacturers (Non exporters, eg. Naksha, Rang, Nabarupa etc.)

Handicraft Products of Bangladesh:

There are a great variety of Handicrafts products produced in our country. These are
1. Antiques & Collect
2. Bamboo & Wooden Crafts
3. Crafts Gifts

1. Background
1.1History
The study of Bangladesh history and her descriptions are within very shortly
asbecause in common understanding there are in many way and dimension to
explainthe History of Bangladesh or Discovery of Bangladesh potential to give
details. Theterritory constituting Bangladesh was under the Muslim rule for over five
and a half centuries from 1201 to 1757 A-D. Subsequently, it was under the defeat
of the Britishafter the defeat of the last sovereign ruler, NawabSirajuddowla, at the
Battle of Plessey on the fateful day of June 23, 1757. The British ruled over the
entire Indiansub-continent including this territory for nearly 190 years from 1757 to
1947. Duringthat period Bangladesh was a part of the British Indian provinces of
Bengal andAssam. With the termination of the British rule in August, 1947 the subcontinent waspartitioned into India and Pakistan. Bangladesh was then a part of
Pakistan and wasknown as East Pakistan. It remained so about 24 years from
August 14. 1947 toMarch 25, 1971. It appeared on the world map as an
independent and sovereignstate on December 16, 1971 following the victory at the
War of Liberation from March25 to December 16, 1971

1.2 Bangladesh
Intervention of the central government from depriving Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman of
asource of living and his greatest contribution was in instilling among
Bengalibureaucrats and elite the courage for dissent and a great measure of selfconfidence.After nine months of war, the Pakistani military forces surrendered by
freedomfighters of Bangladesh at Dhaka on 16th December 1971 after killing three
millionpeople. Due to the heroic fight and supreme sacrifices of the heroic freedom
fightersBangladesh finally became an independent country. Bangladesh came into
existencein 1971 when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its union with West
Pakistan
(Global Interactive Marketing and Technology Solution)
.Bangladesh is one of the world's most densely populated and least
developedcountry. Its economy is predominately agricultural (employs two thirds of
population),with rice being the chief crop. These rural communities are very weak to
the frequent,devastating cyclones and floods and about a third of this enormously
LeastDevelopment Country (LDC) floods annually during the monsoon rainy
season,hampering economic development.

First as part of British India and then of Pakistan, the area now
constitutingBangladesh suffered from chronic economic neglect. The region
produced largequantities of agricultural goods, including most of the world's jute,
but received littleinvestment in such basic items as transportation facilities and
industrial plants.Bangladesh's gross domestic product was estimated at $42.7
billion in 1998. Themanufacturing sector, which contributed 18.10 percent of
Bangladesh's domesticproduct in 1998, is made up principally of unmechanized,
small-scale enterprises.

The chief manufactures of the country are jute products (such as cordage and
sacks),textiles, processed food, beverages, tobacco items, handicrafts and goods
made of wood, cane, or bamboo. Large-scale factories process jute and sugarcane.
Much of the nation's heavy industry, including a small steel mill, is in the port of
Chittagong
(Sugata Bose & M. M. Akash, History of Bangladesh, Page 92-157)

1.2.1 Country Profile

Official name

: The Peoples Republic of Bangladesh

Location & borders : South Asia. Bordered by India on the east, west & north &by
the Bay of Bengal on the south and the small border strip with Myanmar on the
south-east.
Government

: Parliamentary form of government, headed by PrimeMinister.

Area / Land

: 147, 570 square km / Mostly alluvial fertile plain.

Climate / Seasons : Sub-tropical monsoon / Summer, monsoon, autumn,winter

Temperature
Summer.
Annual rainfall
Humidity
Dec-Jan.
Standard time

: Varies between 11 C to 29 C in Winter & 21 C to 34 Cin

: Varies from 160 cm to 400 cm at different areas.
: Highest 99% in peak Summer in July, Lowest 36% inWinter in
: GMT + 6 hours.

Population / Literacy
Official language
language.

:135 million / 65 (15 years +)

: Bangla, English is generally understood & used as asecond

Capital
: Dhaka. Other major cities are Chittagong, Khulna,
Sylhet,Rajshahi& Barisal.
Intl. Airports

: Dhaka, Chittagong &Sylhet.

Sea ports

: Chittagong &Mongla.

Currency / Exch. Rate

: Taka (TK.) / Floating exchange rate hovers round US
$1=Tk. 59.72, Euro 1=Tk. 74.51.
GDP / Rate of growth

: US $ 57 billion (2003-2004) / 5.5% (2003-2004)

Sectoral share of GDP

: 22.83% agriculture, 27.80% industries
(includingmanufacturing and construction) and the rest for others)
Per capital GDP / GN

I: US $ 421 / US $ 444 (2003-2004)

Annual export & import

2004)respectably.

: US $ 7.60 billion & US $ 10.87 billion (2003-

Major exports
: Ready-made garments, frozen food (Shrimp),
leather,leather products, jute, jute products, tea, ceramics, textilefabrics, home
textile, chemical products, light engineeringproducts including bi-cycle.
Major imports
:Oil, edible oil, petroleum products, wheat seeds,
fertilizer,yarn, capital goods, machinery, power generatingmachinery, scientific &
medical equipments, iron &still,motor vehicles, raw cotton, chemicals.
Major trading partners
:USA, EU countries, China, India, Japan, South
Korea,Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand,Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE
etc.
Source: Annual Report 2002-2003,

1.2.2 Geography
Bangladesh lies in the north eastern part of South Asia between 20 34' and 26
38north latitude and 68 01' and 92 41' east longitude. The country is bounded by
Indiaon the west, the north, and the north-east and Burma on the south-east and
the Bayof Bengal on the south. The area of the country is 56,977 sq. miles or 1,
47,570 sqk.m. The limits of territorial waters of Bangladesh are 12 nautical miles

and the areaof the high seas extending to 200 nautical miles measured from the
base linesconstitutes the economic zone of the country

1.2.3Physiography
Except the hilly regions in the north-east and the south-east, some areas of
highlands in the north and north western part, the country consists of low, flat and
fertileland. A network of rivers of which the Padma, the Jamuna, the Teesta,
theBrahmaputra, the Surma, the Meghna and the Karnaphuli are important, and
their tributaries numbering about 230 with a total length of about 24140 k.m.
covering thecountry How down to the Bay of Bengal. The alluvial soil is thus
continuously beingenriched by heavy silts deposited by rivers during the rainy
season

1.2.4Forest
The total forest area covers about 13.36% of the land area. The country
producestimber, bamboo and cane. Bamboos grow in almost all areas but quality
timber growsmostly in the valleys. Among the timber sal, gamari, chaplish,
telsu.jarui, teak, garjan,chandon and sundari are important. Sundari trees grow in
the Sundarbans located inthe south-western part of the country bordering the Bay
of Bengal, Plantation of rubber in the hilly regions of the country was undertaken
recently and extraction of rubber had already started. Varieties of wild animals are
found in the forest areas.Sundarban is the home of the world famous 'Royal Bengal
Tigers' and cheetahs, of other animals elephants, bears, deer, monkeys, boars,
leopard, and crocodiles areworth mentioning. A few hundred species and subspecies of birds are found in thecountry. Some of them are of seasonal and
migratory types

1.2.5 Government
Since the nation's formation in 1971, the government of Bangladesh has
undergonemany changes and a secular parliamentary form of democracy was
established bythe 1972 constitution, but it was suspended in late 1974 and replaced
in January1975 by a presidential form of government. The 1972 constitution, as
amended, wassuspended again in 1982 after a coup d'&tat. A ban on political
activities waswithdrawn and the constitution reinstated in 1986

.
Bangladesh became independent and sovereign after a clarion call
Bangladeshnow has a multi-party democratic system with a parliamentary form of
government. A sovereigntary parliament (JatiyaSangsad) is elected by the people
for a five-year term. It acts as the legislature and approves the annual national
budget.It can amend the Constitution with the support of at least two-thirds of
the330 members in the House. A simple majority is, however, sufficient to
approvelaws and pass the budget. Three hundred Members of parliament are
elected bydirect franchise while 30 seats reserved for women are filled in through
indirectelection by elected MPs. Parliament has to sit every two months and is
summonedinto session by the President. It has tenured of five years.

1.2.6 Bangladesh Economy

The economy of the country has achieved a growth rate of 5.3% during the year
2002-2003 compared to 4.8% during the preceding year. GDP during the year
wasUS$ 5189 million compared to US$ 47571 million during the preceding year. Per
capita GDP was US$ 389, which was US$ 361 during the previous year
Inflationincreased to 5.2% during 2002-2003. Agriculture still holds an important
position inour national economy in creating employment and increasing national
income. Thecontribution of this sector in national income is about 23.5%. Growth in
agriculturehas increased to 3%. Fish production has increased by 2.3%. Growth in
the sector during the preceding year was 2.2%, Food production during the year
2002-2003 wasabout 27.1 million tons, compared to 26.1 million tons in the year
2001-2002. As thedepression in the world economy is almost over, growth in the
industry sector duringthe year 2002-2003 Increased to 7.3% compared to 6,6%
during the previous year
(Annual Report 2002-2003, EPB, Page 6-7)
.Gross national savings during the year was 18.24% of GDP compared to
18.5%during the previous year. Gross fixed investment increased by 6.3% in 20022003compared to 7% in 2001-2002. Total investment during the year 2002-2003
was US$1615.25 million out of which US$ 1512 million was registered with the
Board of Investment. Investment made by Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries
Corporationwas US$ 18.25 million; Investment in the EPZs was US$ 85 million.
Import paymentduring the year 2002-2003 was US$ 9658 million compared lo US$
8540 millionduring the year 2001-2002. Import expenditure increased by 13%. In
total import, thecontribution of" capital goods was 22%, industrial raw materials
16%, primarycommodities 10%, others including EPZ 45%. Total export earning
during the year 2002-2003 was US$ 6548 million. The principal exportable are Woven garments 49.7%, Knitwear 25.26%, Frozen food 4.91%, Jute Products 3.93%,
Leather 2.92%.Chemical Products are 1.53% and Raw Jute 1.26%. Trade deficit
during the year increased to US$ 3110 million, which was US$ 2554 million during

the previous year.Remittance from expatriate Bangladeshis was US$ 3000 million
compared to US$2501 during the preceding year registering an increase of about
20%

1.2.7 Labor
The civilian labor force of Bangladesh was estimated in 1998 to include 64.1
millionpeople. Agriculture (including fishing) employs 64 percent of the workers,
while 9percent worked in industry and 24 percent in services and the
unemployment andunderemployment are significant problems in the country
(Global Interactive Marketing and Technology Solution)
.
Occupationally, 75 percent of the civilian labor force, which is currently estimated
at56 million, is directly or indirectly engaged in agriculture. Only 12 percent is
engagedin industry. Unemployment is estimated at around 18.5 percent. In terms of
agestructure, it is more youthful than in the western countries. Heavy pressure of
population on scarce land has no doubt created an extremely unfavorable landmanratio. Coupled with this is the problem of unequal distribution and
heavyfragmentation of land in the rural areas. This is expected to improve with
morevigorous efforts at poverty improvement and advancement of educational and
socialconsciousness. Slowness of the agricultural sector has resulted in its
increasingdependence on the whims of nature and the per capita daily availability
of food grainscoming down to low level of 432 gram. Nearly 45% of the people live
below thepoverty line

1.2.8 Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector, which contributed 18.10 percent of Bangladesh's
domesticproduct in 1998, is made up principally of unmechanized, small-scale
enterprises.The chief manufactures of the country are jute products (such as
cordage and sacks),textiles, processed food, beverages, tobacco items, and goods
made of wood, cane,or bamboo. Large-scale factories process jute and sugarcane.
Much of the nation'sheavy industry, including a small steel mill, is in the port of
Chittagong

1.2.9 International Organizations

Bangladesh is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and was admitted to
theUnited Nations in 1974 and It also belongs to the Colombo Plan for
CooperativeEconomic and Social Development, headquartered in Sri Lanka

1.1.10 Commerce and Foreign Trade

The per-capita volume of Bangladeshi internal and foreign trade is low.
Domestictrade is conducted largely through thousands of periodic markets called
hats. Sinceindependence in 1971 the value of Bangladesh's annual imports has
usually been atleast twice that of exports; in 1998 imports cost $6.9 billion, and
exports earned $4.2billion. Theprincipal exports are jute products and raw jute;
clothing, seafood, tea, and hides andleather goods are the other important exports.
Imports include foodstuffs, basicmanufactures, mineral fuels, machinery, and
transportation equipment. Exports gomainly to European countries (especially
Germany and Italy), the United States, HongKong, and Japan; imports come chiefly
from the India, European countries, China,Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and the
United States and only a small number of tourists visit Bangladesh each year

1.3 Incentive to Export-Oriented and Export-Linkage Industries

Export-oriented industrialization is one of the major objectives of the Industrial
Policy1999. Export-oriented industries will be given priority and public policy
support will been sured in this respect and an industry exporting at least 80% of its
manufactured goods or an industry contributing at least 80% of its products as an
input to finished exportable, and similarly, a business entity exporting at least 80%
of services including information technology related products will be considered as
an export-oriented industry. The export-oriented industries, further to the provisions
of Bangladesh Bank foreign exchange regulations, will be entitled to receive
additionalforeign exchange, on case to case basis, for publicity campaign, opening
overseasoffices and participating in international trade fairs. The entire export
earning fromHandicrafts and Cottage Industries will be exempted from income tax,
for all other industries, income tax rebate on export earning will be given at 50
percent and 100%percent export-oriented industry outside EPZ will be allowed to
sell 20% percent of their products in the domestic market on payment of applicable
duties and taxes.The Export-oriented industries which are identified by the
government as "ThrustSector" will be provided special facilities and venture capital
support.Apart from the above-mentioned facilities, other facilities announced and
provided inthe Export Policy will be applicable to export-oriented and export-linkage
industries.

1.4 Handy Craft of Bangladesh

The traditional crafts of Bangladesh have been a focal point of interest for
visitorsfrom abroad for centuries. The rural-based infrastructure has made it a
potentialground for the development of numerous items crafted out of wood, jute,
cane,bamboo, grass, straw, clay and other indigenous raw materials. The items

producedby early craftsmen were not only singularly beautiful, but also
representative of theculture, tradition and customs of the country. With the passage
of time, however, newand modern styles and designs have been adapted and this
has paved the way for a

unique blend of the old and the new. Popular items in vogue are bamboo mirror
andpicture frames. Split bamboo shoots can be used as wall lining to create the
ultimatetropical decor. Bamboo and cane furniture as well as rattan, grass and
canehandicrafts and cane screens are just a few of the products available in an
amazingarray. Leather goods of attractive design and finishing are being produced
by skilledcraftsmen; the items produced are handbags, wallets, belts, shoe uppers,
travel bags,pen holders, card holders and many other utility items. Jute again is
another fiber from which a variety of useful products can be fashioned-be it bags,
belts, light shoes,wall hangings, draperies and of course jute carpets. Color fast,
fire-resistant, hazard-free jute carpets are unbelievably price advantageous. They
are also popular for health and environmental reasons all over the world.

1.4.1 Handicraft Sector

Bangladesh is now very much a part of the international scene and keeping in
mindthe discerning taste of the consumers, a vast range of crafts and novelties are
nowproduced in the country under the technical supervision of qualifiedproduct
development specialists. With the resurgence of worldwide interest in
cane,development of cane products has gained momentum. Bamboo, another
tropicalgrass is often used as a base for support of cane furniture and handicrafts,
Bamboobaskets of various shapes and sizes are in great demand in Europe and
America
(Export Promotion Bureau, March - April '99)
.
Five Bangladeshi handicraft companies recently participated in the
Frankfurtinternational trade fair Ambient-2005 and received spot and prospective
orders of US$ 550 thousand (5.5 lakh). The five companies, which participated in
the fair under the auspices of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), are Creation (Pvt.)
Limited, FolkInternational, Heed Handicrafts, the Source and Wax Lyrical. The EPB
set up apavilion for the companies in the fair, the biggest ever for handicraft and
consumer goods. The EPB takes part in the fair every year on a regular basis to
promote andexpand the export of handicraft items from Bangladesh.

1.4.2 HANDICRAFT EXPORTS

The most recent national survey on handicraft and cottage industries in Bangladesh
was undertaken by BSCIC in 1991 and published in 1994. The survey found that
1.3million people were employed in handicrafts and cottage industries and over
three quarters are employed in three industries - food preparation, textiles/leather,
and wood/cane/bamboo, these were followed in importance by metal work and
potteries including minor crafts, a total of 940,000 were employed in craft
industries. Exports of general handicrafts reached a peak of US$ 8.7 million in
1991/92 and declined to US$ 6.5 million in 1994/95, 0.2 % of total manufactured
exports. By contrast leather goods exports increased from nothing in 1990/91 to
US$ 6.4 million in 1994/95 and artificial flowers from nil to US$ 800.000. The main
importing countries of generalhandicrafts in order of importance are UK, USA,
Germany, and Italy; for leather goods, USA, Japan and Italy for artificial flowers Italy.

1.4.3 GOVERNMENT POLICY

The Bangladesh Export Development Strategy 1992-2000 includes measures
topromote handicraft exports and the identification and proposals for the
removingbottlenecks limiting the growth of handicraft exports is the objective of the
presentreport. The incentives relating to bonded import of materials and duty
drawback onimports are not of great importance to the handicraft sector as local
materials aremostly used Even where imported materials are required (e.g. dyes
and chemicals)they are purchased by the small handicraft producers in the local
market

1.4.4. HANDICRAFT INDUSTRY

Thirty three (33) handicraft enterprises were surveyed in detail comprising.
Organization Number
NGO exporters of handicrafts..7
NGO or cooperative producers (non-exporters).4
Private manufacturer/exporters ....10
Small private manufacturers (non-exporters).12

The large NGOs were the main buyers of the products of the small nonexportingprivate manufacturers as well as the small NGO producers. The large
NGOssurveyed one was 100% export and the remaining sit combined exporting with
localsales through their own retail outlets, mainly in Dhaka. For three, the major
part of their income was export sales, and for three it was in retail sales. Although

the largeNGOs involved in handicrafts are basically traders, they provide a great
deal of support to their cooperative and self-help group suppliers. Assistance may
includetraining, product development and design, start up financial assistancemanagementsupport, transport and materials supply of the eight private
manufacturer/exportersthree were 100% export, three exported the major part of
their output and alsosupplied (mainly NGO) handicraft retail outlets and two sold the
major part of their output through their own retail outlets

1.4.5 DESIGN, QUALITY AND PRICE

The NGO exporters have often quite large design departments, staffed by art
collegegraduates who have in addition received training and guidance from foreign
designerssupplied by their foreign partners. Private enterprises often depend on the
creativityand the ability of the proprietor to develop new product ideas and designs,
often verysuccessfully. Others simply copy designs from local competitors or foreign
cataloguesor produce to specifications supplied by the customer (which is often one
of the bigNGOs).The quality of the best of the traditional decorative work on Jute
product, Hometestile, Lather goods, Wooden, Bamboo and Candle product are
outstanding.Unfortunately the making up and finishing of articles is usually not up
to the samestandard as the technical work, and often the quality of the assistance
and coatingand other materials also detracts from the overall effect.The huge cost
projected is unjustified and unsustainable in the long term. Theproposals for making
the centre self-financing are unrealistic. A more focused andcost effective approach
avoiding an unnecessary man-agreement burden and highfixed costs (in particular a
big wage bill) could provide essential support serviceswhich are difficult or
impossible for members to acquire individually, leaving membersto undertake those
tasks most effectively tackled by the individual enterprise

1.4.6 Demanded Handicrafts in Bangladesh

The demanded Handicraft products are available in Bangladesh, these are as below:
Main Product
Jute products

Home textile

Lather goods

Wooden
Bamboo products
Candle products

SubProduct
Twine, hessian, gunny bag, twill,
carpetbacking, wool pack, tarpaulin,
mats,canvas, wall cover, upholstery, and
asfurnishing fabrics of different types
andnatures
Nakshi Katha,
JamdaniSharee,BenarashiSharee, Bags,
bed cover,Cushion Cover, Ornaments
Box, TablePrettification, Vest, Wall Mat
Leather Embroidered bags,
spectaclecases, chair backs, embossed
coin pursewallets made from buff
leather, nappaleather wallets and bags
etc
Desk Accessories, Kaleidoscope,
KitchenAccessories, Photo Frame, Show
Piece
Basket, Shoe piece, wall accessories
Birth candle, musical candle, candle doll

1.4.6.1 Jute Product

Jute a natural fiber has been in use for various purposes over the
centuriesthroughthe world. Bangladesh has been blessed with the favorable climate
and the potentialto be the largest grower and export of the best quality jute, the
golden fiber. Jute,having been the most environment friendly natural fiber because
of its inherentunique properties, has great advantages over man-made artificial
polymer fiber,twine, hessian, gunny bag, twill, carpet backing, wool pack, tarpaulin,
mats, canvas,wall cover, upholstery, and as furnishing fabrics of different types and
natures sheetand packing materials on many counts. The uncompromising resolve
to stick to theuse of the best raw jute, strict adherence to buyers needs and
specification rigorousquality control and timely delivery Bangladesh has earned an
international eminenceas the principle source of high quality jute products.

1.4.6.2 Home Textile

In recent years, remarkable progress has been made related to the development of
this sector. Home textile products of Bangladesh which include all sorts of towel, bar
mat, nakshikatha, jamdanisharee, benarashisharee, bags, bed cover, cushioncover,
ornaments box, table prettification, vest, wall mat, bathrob, wash cloth, ehramfor
haj, kitchen gloves, dish cloth, mommy napkin, pillow cover etc. are quite popular in
the world market for their quality and design. The government has formulated

afavorable police for itsover all development envisaging its potentiality. Producers
for

export at the custom points have been simplified and speedy shipment of goods
hasbeen emphasized for boosting export.The art of weaving is perhaps as old as
human civilization. Bangladesh can proudlyclaim to have many branches of this
ancient art, of which the best known and mostpopular is the specialty Jamdani,
which is one of the varieties of the famous DhakaMuslin or Mul-mul. For over ten
centuries, the Dhaka area has been renowned for thisfine fabric. So fine was its
texture and quality that it was said to be woven with the"thread of the winds" and
the Greek and the Roman texts mention the "Gangeticmuslins" as one of the most
coveted luxury items. Woven from superfine cotton or silkyarn, jamdani fabric is
embroidered or inlaid on the loom with silk, gold and silver threads. Over the years,
the weavers simplified the designs making them morestylized and geometric.A new
handloom product has been developed by Grameen Bank- a leading nongovernment rural-oriented financial institution with trade name "GRAMEEN
CHECK"which is soft, colour fast and 100% cotton, The "Grameen Check" fabric and
theapparels made out of it have already made a breakthrough in the European
marketswith potential of penetrating Other- parts of the world.Another delicate and
finely woven product is the glowing soft silk of Rajshahiinrainbow hues. Very ethnic
are the striking, bold designs which is the trademark of thecolourful, tough fabric
woven by the weavers belonging to the various tribal races whoinhabit the hilly
areas like Cox's Bazar, Rangamati and Sylhet.Apart from those that already have
been mentioned, there are numerous other handloom materials which have made
their particular district of origin famous. Themost notable are sarees of Dhaka,
Tangail and Pabna, Monipuri blankets of SylhetandKhadi or Khaddar products of
Comilla.At present, the number of handlooms in Bangladesh is five hundred
thousand andthere are about one million weavers. Handloom products have shown
decisiveupward trend in the export market since 1972 and Bangladeshi handloom
productswith their distinctive design and superior quality have created a niche for
themselvesin overseas markets. We can now proudly claim to be equipped to meet
the demandfor the latest fashion. An international expert's study reveals that the
technical skill of the weavers of Bangladesh is second to none in the handloom
producing world.The product range of handloom is simply amazing and include
Muslin JamdaniSarees, Bedcovers, Bedsheets, Tapestry, Upholstery, Place mats,
Rugs or Blankets,Satranji or Durees, Crochet, Muslin, Tribal textiles, Silk fabrics, Sofa
covers, BlockPrints, Table cloth and Napkins, Towels, Dusters, Kitchen towels, Gents,
Ladies andBaby Wear and Shirts, Panjabis, Bedsheets and other household linen in
printed,plain or embroidered Khadi.

1.4.6.3 Lather Good

Leather goods of attractive design and finishing are being produced by

skilledcraftsmen, The items produced are handbags, wallets, belts, shoe uppers,
travelbags, pen holders, card holders and many other utility items.
A leather product of export quality require specialized machinery and
equipment(even though the work is very labor intensive and requires a high level of
craft skill)and is usually done in a factory with a high level of division of labor. Only
one exporter visited had the technical standards, and capacity, to manufacture
competitively for export of retail goods, although there are specialist markets which
the smaller factories may be able to exploit. Although it is difficult for small
manufacturers to getthe quantifies they need at competitive prices in the open
market; most of the better quality leather is exported or used in the tanners' own
leather goods and footwear manufacturing units. A large minimum order is required
to get supplies direct from thetanneries. Moreover at present in Bangladeshi
prospective lather products areLeather Embroidered bags, spectacle cases, chair
backs, embossed coin pursewallets made from buff leather, nappa leather wallets
and bags etc
.

1.4.6.4 Wooden
Wooden made handicrafts are popular through the world. Mainly this sector is
popular in producing furniture, dolls, showpieces etc.

1.4.6.5 Bamboo Product

With the resurgence of worldwide interest in cane, development of cane products
hasgained momentum. Bamboo, another tropical grass is often used as a base for
support of cane furniture and handicrafts, Bamboo baskets of various shapes
andsizes are in great demand in Europe and America. Popular items in vogue
arebamboo mirror and picture frames. Split bamboo shoots can be used as wall
lining tocreate the ultimate tropical decor. Bamboo and cane furniture as well as
rattan, grassand cane handicrafts and cane screens are just a few of the products
available in anamazing array.

1.4.6.6 Candle Product

Candle is now a days popular as because of its design, color and low price. It is
veryeasy to give attractive shape to candle and the process also simple and less
costly.

1.4.7 Problem of Handicraft Exporting from Bangladesh

1.Handicrafts, unlike fair trade foods, are not repeat products.
2. Alternative Trading Organizations and fair trade importers havehistorically lost
market share to commercial importers

3. Expenditure is very seasonal.

4. World Shops generally lack professionalism
5. Global recession
6. Stiff competition from China and SE Asia, where labor rates are very low
7. Traditional giftware faces competition from gift experiences, wherevouchers can
be exchanged for activity days
8. ATOs and importers are focusing on food products to increase sales(especially in
mainstream outlets)

1.4.9 Communication Systems

Our study has been directed communicate to the effective promotion strategy of
Handicrafts; how Bangladeshi Handicrafts very promptly can influence the
worldmarket from setting home situations? So, the convenient of the promotion
Handicraftsin the world markets we may apply few communication systems which
will be moreeffective for those who are exporter in Bangladesh. The communication
systems areas follows

1.4.9.1 Media Campaign

Bangladesh handy craft manufacturers can attain world wide export
opportunitythrough media campaigns .To promote awareness about handy crafts
among thepeople, media campaigning is very vital promotional activities. To
visualize andprovide information about handy crafts, advertising is very effective as
well ascommunicable.

1.4.9.1 Direct Export:

Direct export is one of the most popular and profitable media for the
exporters.Thorough these media exporters attract the foreign importers and by
satisfying their demand exporters export the goods directly to the importers
country.

1.4.9.2 Online Marketing

Online Marketing facilitates number related activities such as product
advertisement,order, payment and place requirement etc.PhilipKotler& Gray
Armstrong, Principles of marketing, Seventh Edition,

CHAPTER 15 PROMOTING PRODUCTS: MARKETING COMMUNICATION STRATEGY. Page

#479
As prior , we assumed, Bangladesh is a cost effective handy craft
manufacturingcountry in the world but they fail to satisfy the world market quality
handy craftsdemand within a cheaper price , only because of ineffective
communication system.From our view point, through online , can place our products
, the importers cangive their specification of desired product in accordance their
requirement andexporters also state their requirement about their products. So its
very easier way totransaction between buyers and sellers and also transparency is
there. We provide indetail in Index, now we just provide the sources in below:

1.4.9.3 National & International trade fare

Bangladesh is developing country and growing up very fast. As because we
aredeveloping country , so to reduce the rate of unemployment, to save
foreignexchange , also use inexpensive and abundant resources, to increase
localproduction, should have to focus on local and international operation by
export,invite foreign importers who are interested to buy handy crafts from
Bangladeshetc.

1.4.9.4 Local & International Advertisement

The world is very much competitive now and Medias are very strong and available
toreach almost every one in the world. So advertising is very important.Advertising
locally and internationally is now a days very attractive and effective for any
product.

1.4.9.5 Personal selling

Personal selling means the personal presentation of the product by the
companiessales force. This promotion tool builds strong customer
relationship(Chapter 15 Page 461, Principles of Marketing. By Philip Kotler& Gary
Armstrong)

1.5 Government Facilities

To attract foreign direct investors, the government should take initiative and
correctiveactions to invest our country. The government should provide all
protection andalso political stability so that they feel secure to invest here and also
cover their return as well as profit. The necessary sources are given below:

1.7 Conclusion

Opportunities also exist in export markets as these markets are exposed to

theunique design characteristics of Handicrafts. Small amounts of handicrafts
arealready being exported to Europe, Japan and the U.S. however exporters
continue tobe confronted by numerous obstacles in meeting the quantity and cost
demands of these world wide markets. In order for exporters to be able to take
advantage of neweconomic opportunities and capture new markets the need
assistance to promotionour production capacity: Up-gradation the quality of
Handicrafts products will be thestandards demanded by potential buyers and
overcome the many obstacles situationof our country. The NGOs Project and local
private organization also can be providedthe necessary support to the Export
Promotion Department in the Ministry of Commerce, to provide trouble shooting
help desk services, government togovernment liaison, and international promotion
of Bangladeshi Handicraft products.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15458779/Research-Proposal-Handicrafts

ector Information in French

Light Engineering Handicrafts Leather Textile Silk ShrimpsFishes Information Technology
Light Engineering
The production of light industrial materials is expanding in Bangladesh. It provides
Bangladesh with a ground for generating important services. The country counts on
more than 30,000 small production units, more or less mechanized, in light industry
sector. All forms of machines/tools are manufactured in Bangladesh, starting from
simple machines for domestic use to complex products for use in heavy industry. For
example, the manufacture of bicycles that dominates the light industry in
Bangladesh earned an amount of $52.47 million through exports in 2002-2003 as
against the production in the previous year that earned $31.10 million. The country
exports mainly to the UK, Holland, Ukraine, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Malaysia, the
USA, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
Handicrafts

The handicraft works in Bangladesh is symbolic of the countrys rich cultural

heritage that has been preserved through centuries. The local craftsmen do not
engage themselves in silk and weaving only. The country also produces baskets,
bags, pottery, paintings, toys, carpets, decoration pieces such as frames, boxes,
candleholders etc. which can be produced out of jute, leather, wood and textile.
The destinations of exports are Italy, the USA, France, Holland, Germany, Japan,
Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark and
Switzerland.
Often seen as an ideal of a principled advertising campaign, it is sometimes very
difficult to obtain an order within time in the field of handicraft industry.
On the spot, you shall find more reliable agents or the companies specialised in the
export of decoration tools. For further information, you can always contact the
CCIFB.
Leather
Bangladesh is capable of producing 180 million square feet of leather per year. The
Bangladeshi leather remains one of quality. There exists a number of leather
industries in Bangladesh far above the standard of cottage industry. More than 80%
of the countrys annual production is exported throughout the world. The products
manufactured can either be finished or semi-finished such as gloves, sports shoes,
bags/accessories, suitcases etc.
The country counts on 25 shoe industries being able to produce in large quantity
and another 2500 small units throughout the country.
The local leather industries export their products to 53 countries across the world,
and the declared profits in 2002-2003 were $230 million.
Textile
Bangladesh is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of textile goods in
the world. The sector includes clothing, cuddly toys, shoes and leather. The FranceBangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) is, thus, in permanent
contact with the local federation of textile network (Bangladesh Garments
Manufacturers and Exporters Association, www.BMGEA.com)) in order to bring
together the largest manufacturers of textiles in the country.
The textile industry of Bangladesh is composed of 4000 production units that
fulfilled an export amounting to US$ 6.9 millions in 2005 and to date enjoys a strong
growth (6% in 2008).
Silk

The France-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) works regularly

with the Silk Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh. The silk of
Bangladesh is well-known for its quality and colors <Golden Silk>. The silk is mainly
produced for the local markets. Locally, the silk is generally used for traditional
dresses, cushions, ties, scarves etc. Few companies have started exporting it to
Europe and the United Sates.
Shrimps-Fishes
A Market in Full-growth
Exports of frozen shrimps and fishes from 1990 to 2007

Exportable Products
Frozen shrimps
Frozen fishes
Fresh fishes
Frozen fish fillets and steaks and rays
Crabs et shell-fishes, fresh or frozen Prepared frozen dishes

It is to be noted that Europe is the primary client with 37% of PDM

Contrary to the countries of Asia, the Europeans prefer shrimps to fishes..

You can make a request to the CCIFB for more information on the types
and sizes of shrimps
The CCIFB possesses the list of Bangladeshi exporters.
The CCIFB is at your disposition for further information

The Information Technology in Bangladesh

Source: Basis(Bangladesh Association of Software & Information Services)
There exist near about 8000
diploma engineers in Bangladesh.
The sector employs : - 12 000
persons in animation/ graphics/
web design - 8 000 in web
publishing 5 000 in construction/
mechanical architecture
400 enterprises are registered as
Software and IT Enable
services in Bangladesh The
sector employs 12 000 qualified
employees

The IT and Export

The European Union has recently
identified Bangladesh as one of the 20
best destinations for
outsourcing IT.
A hundred of enterprises export to more
than 30 different countries.

The USA

10

Denmark

20

The UK

10

Japan

10

Australia

10

Germany

The Middle
East

10

http://www.ccifb.org/sector_info.php

Modernisation of handicrafts in
Bangladesh

People have a distinctive sense of art. From the beginning of the civilisation they
have created innumerable things as a blossom of this sense. They have done it from
necessity or even unnecessarily because they are bound to do it. Some things they
have preserved and made these a part of their living, their tradition. Some things
they have abandoned as by anyway they feel these unnecessary.
Handicrafts are by nature traditional. By using their primitive instruments, hands,
people make these to use in their daily life. It is important to mention that most of
the time handicrafts have an aesthetic view and artistic value. For this reason,
historically the upper class of the society has a lust for these. In the timeline of
history, patronised by the higher class people at different times, different pieces of
handicrafts reached the peak of development and popularity.
The handicraft products that are available in Bangladesh can be categorised as
follows:
Of late, handicrafts have been exposed to commercialisation. Now, in Bangladesh,
considering its potentiality in local and international markets, people involved in this
sector claim for modernisation. New technologies and market competition always
pressurise us to take steps to modernise this sector. Now, question is: how will we
modernise this sector?
According to some modernists, tradition is somehow a barrier to modernisation. But,
without traditional touch, handicrafts will lose one of their unique features. Another
fact is All modernising society cannibalises their tradition, and in no modern society
traditional artisans are survived. Japan, USA, European countries, all have done
this. But in this case, China, India and Vietnam are different. China has preserved
her cultural industries according to her own way by giving patronisation and policyhelp. The modernisation concept is also slightly different there. The Chinese dont

think being modernized, that is, being westernised. Their subjects, materials,
designs etc, have been developed but not by abandoning tradition. Jingdezhen in
Jiangxi Province is a city famous for its 1,000-year-old handicraft industry, mainly
porcelain making. The town, Lukang of Taiwan, is claimed to be the Mecca of
traditional handicrafts.
So, to modernise our handicrafts industry what model we will choose is a matter of
some serious thought. However, our commerce minister has announced to
formulate a national Handicraft Policy and we are passionately waiting for this.
Because for modernisation or for any other development, policy support can act as
a major contributor.
Modernisation means creating well-trained artisan groups, adoption of technology in
the value creation process, and establishing supporting institutions to a standard
that will ensure competitive position of handicrafts in local and international
markets.

Creating well-trained artisan groups: Craft works are involved with social
relationships between producers and customers. The producers transfer social
meaning to their products; customers decode the meaning and reinterpret it.
Through this interaction, customers and producers share the same meanings, and
the crafts are purchased. So, the people making handicrafts exhibit our social
meanings derived from our values, cultural heritage, and tradition. To present the
cultural heritage in the best way, the work of well-trained artisans is a good option.
Now in Bangladesh, most handicrafts are produced, traded and exported by the
giant non-government organisations (NGOs) and private enterprises. Among them,
KaruponnoRangpur, Dhaka Trade, Kumudini, Aarong, Nipun crafts, Creation and
Pioneers are exporting handicrafts to foreign countries. In these firms, there are
professional designers with technical expertise. They design the products and
skilled or semi-skilled people living in rural areas work at the dictation of the
designers. In this case, creativity from the root level is automatically being
discouraged.
On the other hand, there are so many traditional artisan groups like potters, tatis,
embroidery artisans, wooden craft artisans etc, living around the country who are
supposed to be extinct because of lack of patronisation. The government here can
choose these groups and can provide funding and proper training on technology
implications, current trends and designs etc, under community-empowerment
projects. Giving award and prize money on skills and expertise can stimulate this
process of development. Arranging handicrafts fairs at national and international
levels and encouraging the award-winner craftsmen to participate in these fairs can
change the current situation.

Adoption of technology: From production to sale to the customers, adoption of

technology is a must to modernise the sector. Use of technology can reduce time
and effort of the workers. By this way it can help to reduce cost and improve quality
and make it competitive in the market. Re-sizing, shaping, designing, carding, and
dyeing need technologies that the semi-skilled and unskilled workers are hardly able
to use.
Establishing and strengthening supporting institutions: Bangladesh Small and
Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) is responsible for promoting and caring the
handicrafts industry. But unfortunately it has failed to carry out its responsibility due
to corruption and mismanagement. So employing efficient and honest managers is
a must to strengthen the BSCIC.
In line with this, establishing training centres at district levels, considering the
specialisation of the locality, is necessary. For example, Tangail is specialised for
tater sari. So training on bringing versatility in making this kind of sari will be
effective here.
Combined research & development (R&D) centre: The government can establish a
combined research and development (R&D) centre including different departments
for different varieties of handicraft items. In this centre, experts will research the
traditional design, styles and mode of production and develop new types of design,
fashion and modes that will strengthen our competitive position in the international
market. Students of fine arts and fashion graduates can work as interns here.
Common Facility Centre: The Bangladesh Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters
Association, popularly known as BanglaCrafthas been demanding to establish a
Common Facility Centre (CFC). CFC can enable the craftsmen to progress from
individualisedlabour intensive process to a relatively easier production which can
enhance their economic progress. The CFC can also be a platform for testing and
establishing newer designs and prototypes as well. This is imperative so as to make
the product more cost effective, marketable and self sustainable.
A suitable common facility centre can greatly assist craft clusters to take advantage
of modern facilities and move at par with the changing industrial and market
scenario. This will help them achieve greater profitability along with necessary skill
enhancement.
As the market of our handicrafts is expanding in international arena, modernisation
in this sector is so necessary to compete well. The government should come forward
with the policy support and community empowerment projects. NGOs also should
work for modernisation as they are already involved effectively with this sector. By
their managerial improvement, new technology adoption private enterprises also
can contribute to the modernisation of the handicrafts sector.

http://futurestartup.com/2011/09/27/modernisation-of-handicrafts-in-bangladesh/

Recognising handicrafts as an industrial sector

MomtazUddin Ahmed concluding his two-part article on 'Prospects for sustained
growth of an export-oriented industry: The case for handicrafts in Bangladesh'
According to the industry insiders, the handicraft sector suffers from myriads of
operational constraints due to inherent weaknesses affecting their organisational
structure and functional characteristics. Since the production base is informal and
unorganised and dominated by the grassroots artisans with limited access to
investible resources, especially capital, technology and various promotional support
assistance from the Government, they languish under a complex of critical
operational bottlenecks. Across the board, the primary obstacles facing the small
artisans and the exporters include: shortage of raw materials, shortage of
institutional credits at affordable costs, lack of skilled artisans and workers, lack of
training and research facilities, lack of modern designs and technical support and
that of adequate access to markets.
Policy gaps: While Bangladesh has had an illustrious tradition in the production and
export of handicrafts spread over centuries, the industry has lost its past glory with
many of its artifacts meeting the fate of gradual extinction. Due to lack of proper
patronage, loss of dignity of the artisans and crafts people, and intrusion of highly
commercialised and mechanised mass production systems many of the traditional
handicraft products lost their markets. As a result, many producers, including their
possible successors, are leaving their age-old vocations limiting the prospects for
inter-generation transfer of skills and craftsmanship.
Currently, government assistance towards development of the handicraft sector in
Bangladesh has been rather minimal. Apparently, the activities do not seem to be
accorded the status of a separate industrial sector in any of the industrialisation
policies of the country. Only an oblique reference is made to handicrafts as one of
the "Thrust sectors" placed at number 29 of the thrust sector list in Annex 1 of
Industrial Policy 2005 and at number 19 in Annex 2 of the Industrial Policy 2010.
Other than envisaging the provision of special investment incentives and financial

facilities, tax exemptions and depreciation allowances to the thrust sector industries
as a whole, selected product categories such as black smithies, pottery, cane and
bamboo products, mats, and metal wares etc, are also envisaged to receive some
concessional benefits under the small and cottage industries development
programmes. Additionally, establishment of a fashion design and training institute
at Mirpur in Dhaka, and special credit facilities for producers of Nakshikatha,
bamboo products and potteries in different locations of the country etc. are some of
the measures currently being taken by the Government, but at a slow pace.
However, these are only isolated and piecemeal efforts and fall far short of an
integrated and comprehensive national policy support for providing proactive
support to revive the past glory and ensure sustained growth of a vibrant, dynamic,
and internationally competitive handicrafts industries sector in the country.
Corresponding to the policy gap, there is also an institutional gap facing the
handicraft sector. For example, no public sector agency is designated in Bangladesh
for catering to the promotional services to the sector. Only BSCIC (Bangladesh Small
and Cottage Industries Corporation) by default is in a position to deliver limited
support services such as skill development training and design improvement
services, though the ground reality in this regard is rather different. This scenario is
in sharp contrast with the regional experience available from the neighbouring
countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines where an
extensive network of public and private institutions deliver comprehensive package
of support services to the Handicrafts industries sector. For example, the All India
Handicrafts Board, the Export Promotional Council for Handicrafts, and the
Handicrafts and Handloom Exports Corporation of India, etc., are together playing
important roles to promote exports of Indian Handicrafts. In contrast, the EPB
(Export Promotion Bureau) in Bangladesh does not even have a separate cell to
provide exclusive services to the Handicrafts exporters.
Suggestions: To overcome the present hurdles and ensure sustained development of
the handicraft sector in Bangladesh, the important policy suggestions may include
the following:
* Declaring a separate national policy recognising handicrafts as an "industrial
sector" in its own right following the example of Malaysia where a separate
handicrafts policy i.e. "National Crafts Policy" is in operation.
* Setting up a separate Industrial Park near the capital city Dhaka to ensure delivery
of common production and marketing facilities to the artisans and the crafts people.
* Encouraging commercial production of raw materials for handicrafts to encourage
setting up of new and expanding existing craft activities facilitating easy availability
of raw materials and promoting growth of the tourism industry to assist domestic
market expansion.

* Provision of financial, fiscal, technological and infrastructural facilities at affordable

costs to set up new craft production units and facilitate growth and expansion of the
existing activities.
* Development of Common Service Delivery Centres (i.e. including supply of raw
materials, technical assistance, and marketing assistance) in close proximity to the
clusters of different potential craft activities spread around the country.
* Continued research on design, quality improvements and quality control, design
innovation and adaptation jointly by all relevant stakeholders and their effective
dissemination to the producers and the exporters, under the special initiatives of
BSCIC.
* Continuation of the current incentive package to the exporters and extension of
coverage of more products (beyond current 12) under the current export incentive
package such as cash incentives, tax exemption and GSP facilities.
* Establishment of Design and Sales Centres in Dhaka and other strategic locations
(i.e. close to the craft clusters). Reorganisation and modernisation of the BSCIC
Design Centre is crucially important to enable effective utilisation of its services by
the artisans and the crafts people.
Finally, for adequate and efficient implementation of the above policy package a
Bangladesh Handicrafts Development Corporation (BHDC) may be set up under the
Ministry of Industries as the modal agency for delivering extensive promotion and
support services to the handicraft sector.
DrMomtazUddin Ahmed is Professor of Economics, University of Dhaka.
ahmed_1947@hotmail.com

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/index.php?
ref=MjBfMTBfMTJfMTJfMV85Ml8xNDY1NTE

Textile handicrafts need boost- the Daily star

Traditional hand knitting with two needles replacing machine knitting as done by
HathayBunano with these baby hats. Fred Burke
Samantha Morshed
Today, handicrafts represent less than 1 percent of exports from Bangladesh. In
contrast, the global market for handicrafts is estimated to be close to $100 billion.
Surely this represents a huge opportunity for this country in terms of rural
employment creation.

The rural areas of Bangladesh are filled with women eager to show their fine
handicraft skills, being naturally proficient with stitches passed down from mother
to daughter and all having a genuine interest in crafts.

For many years textile handicrafts have been seen as an opportunity for the
creation of rural employment and the alleviation of poverty and many NGOs have
diversified into production of all sorts of fabric items.

Despite investment, mainly from international donors, the growth of the industry
has been starkly different from its cousin the garment industry, which now
dominates more than 70 percent of Bangladesh's GDP. Clearly something isn't
working.

A great deal of effort has been put into the promotion and production of
"NakshiKantha", a traditional and beautiful embroidery stitch, firmly rooted in this
country and representing the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. But the rest of
the world knows little about it.

This is not so surprising since much of the western world has lost its inherited
tradition of embroidery and whilst there are experts in all countries, a vast majority
of western women would find it difficult to distinguish hand embroidery from
machine embroidery, let alone recognise the specific differences of embroidery from
various regions of the world.

As with all industries, textile handicrafts are an ever-evolving industry representing

a changing world where the interest in all things hand-made remains very strong,

and hand-made products extremely desirable, but where interest in the tradition of
the handicraft has lost its prominence.

Textile handicrafts in Bangladesh must therefore change with the times, just as the
garments industry does seasonally, where styles change with fashion trends.

Without a doubt, the global market for handicrafts and all things hand-made is
expanding. When customers are faced with two products of similar price, quality
and design, they will invariably select hand-made over mass produced. The price
premium of hand-made items is small and whilst it is possible to make competitively
priced handicrafts in Bangladesh, it is important to understand that pricing is one of
the key factors to success in expanding this industry.

Changing designs is not a new concept in Bangladesh handicrafts and many donorfunded projects have been developed and run around the concept of bringing in
designers to work with rural artisans to help them make new designs to meet the
new demands of the international marketplace.

But the world is a fast moving place and when the designers have left, who will be
around to continually develop new products with these artisans?

Since success in this area will only be achieved by meeting the needs of the
customer, we must first consider what the customer is looking for. International
buyers of hand-made products are clear in their requirements. They need large
volumes, consistently high quality, timely delivery and effective communication. If
the Bangladesh textile handicraft sector can provide all this, then the likelihood is
that the buyers will supply the designs. Projects bringing in designers to work with
artisans for short periods of time equally bringing small-scale success for only a
short period will no longer be necessary.

Large volumes cannot be produced by a single small group of artisans. Consistency

in quality cannot be maintained over different groups of artisans where there is no
connection between them. Timely delivery is a challenge to us all everyday and so
much more so to artisans with little or no understanding of the countries that their
products are destined for. Effective communication requires literacy, language skills

and IT skills and equipment in a world where customers want questions answered
immediately.

Empowering small groups of artisans is therefore not likely to bring significant

growth in this industry.

There are significant similarities between the garments industry and the production
of textile handicrafts. They both need good quality raw materials, effective sampling
facilities and centralised quality control, finishing, packing and despatch. Whilst the
garments industry has all manufacture under the same roof as well, clearly the
major production work for handicrafts can be done in various rural parts of the
country in small-scale groups of artisans, both living and working locally.

Access to good quality raw materials is a fundamental problem for the current
model of handicraft production through small disparate groups of artisans. Whilst
Bangladesh is full of high quality raw materials, imported and produced for the
garments industry, these are not available in small scale to groups of handicraft
producers. The whole production process for raw materials here is geared towards
volume.

Small-scale handicraft producers are therefore left to buy what is available in the
open market and often with yarns and fabrics to 'bucket dye' in their own homes.
Without consistency of raw materials, how can we ever achieve consistency of
finished handicraft products?

In order to maximise the potential of the handicrafts industry we need to embrace

all that is good and successful about artisan production in small rural groups and
combine this with lessons learnt in large volume production by the garments
industry.

In order to expand the rural production of handicrafts specifically for export we need
to combine the craft skills of the artisans with the business skills of SMEs, who could
provide all the centralised services along with bulk purchasing of raw materials,
sampling, marketing and communication.

It is unrealistic to assume that with a little training, a new design or two and some
capacity building, a small group of artisans will be able to secure sales to stores
overseas. Similarly, it is unrealistic to assume that large department stores in the
west, would be interested to source tiny volumes of one particular product from a
single supplier in a far away land.

Generally retail companies will place a limit on the number of suppliers that they
choose to buy from in order that they can manage administratively. So not only
must the supplier be able to make volume, but will also need to be able to make a
whole range in volume in order to have a chance of competing to supply.

Without a doubt, expansion of the textile handicraft industry in Bangladesh would

bring enormous direct benefits to the rural population, who are waiting for an
opportunity to work and become adept at textile handicraft production.

Expansion of this industry through existing markets, rather than aiming for the
creation of markets, would be most cost and time effective. Traditional "carcupi"
stitching, with the finished look of a modern chain stitch, can easily be used to
replace stitching which might previously have been made by machine. Traditional
hand knitting with two needles can easily be used to make small items, which can
be time-consuming by knitting machine. Traditional crochet has no machine
alternative though.

The method of making handloom fabrics is much more flexible than machines in
creating diversity in cloth. Diversification of this industry therefore is not so much
about creating new methods and developing new markets as about adapting
existing skills to the requirements of today's marketplace and the needs of today's
buyers.

In order to maximise the potential of the handicrafts industry, we need to combine

the skills of the artisans and the SMEs, to diversify by adaptation. Finally, the
banking sector needs to address the needs of this industry with applicable products
and services.

It was almost 30 years ago that the Letter of Credit (L/C) became the primary
instrument of choice for the garments industry in Bangladesh and the banking

sector enabled business to be conducted by releasing part-payments against the

value of L/Cs, so that factories could start production of orders.

While the L/C is not ideal for the handicraft sector, other services, like reduced
interest rates, low collateral, short-term loans and both international and domestic
factoring, will enable expansion of this industry.

Currently Bangladeshi handicraft exports represent only a tiny fraction of the global
market, maybe with some slight changes in emphasis, Bangladesh has a real
opportunity to become a significant global player in a thriving and expanding
industry.

The writer is the CEO of HathayBunano and welcomes comments at

hathaybunano@gmail.com.

http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=78194