1

Handicraft Industry in Bangladesh

1.
2.

3.

The entire export earning from handicrafts 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
Tax holiday facilities will be available for 5 or 7 years depending on location of the industrial enterprise.
Dhaka and Chittagong Divisions (excluding 3 hill tract districts of Chittagong Division)

5 years

Khulna, Sylhet, Barisal and Rajshahi Divisions And 3 Chittagong hill tract districts

7 years

Tax holiday: Tax holiday facilities will be provided in accordance with the existing laws. The period of tax holiday
will be calculated from the month of commencement of commercial production. Tax holiday certificate will be
issued by NBR for the total period within 90 days of submission of application. This facility can be availed of by
industries set up within June 30, 2000 ADb.

4. Duty :

No import duty for export oriented industry. For other industry it is @ 5% ad valorem.

5. concessionary duty on import capital: import duty, at the rate of 5% ad valorem, is payable on capital
machinery and spares imported for initial installation . The value of spare parts should not, however, exceed 10% of
the total C & F value of the machinery. For 100% export oriented industries, no import duty is charged in case of
capital machinery and spares. However, import duty @ 5% is secured in the form of bank guarantee or an indemnity
bond will be returned after installation of the machinery. Value Added Tax (VAT) is not payable for imported capital
machinery and spares.

Swot analysis of handicraft industry

Strengths:

Large, diversified and potential market.

There is large product variety and range is available because of diversified culture.
It has strong, diversified and supportive retail infrastructure.
Diversified product range that service different market.
Cheap labor rates that result to competitive price.
Need low capital investment.
There is flexible production flexibility.
Low barriers of new entry.

Weaknesses:
1.lack of infrastructure and communication facilities.
2.unawareness about international requirements and market
3.lack of co-ordination between government bodies and private players.
4.inadequate information of new technology.
5.inadequate information of current market trends.
6.less interest of young people in craft industry.

7.lack of skilled labour. Expensive and irregular supplies of many raw materials;

Lack of access to financing for production and marketing;

High cost of living that translates into high-priced products;

Lack of technology and skills to properly finish products;

Unreliable electricity (which slows produc

tion or drives up costs with generators);

A lack of an export cultureregulations, services, and a business environment streamlined for

exporting;

Political turmoil, corruption, and travel risks; and

Poor inland transport.

8.still confined to rural areas and small cities untapped market.
9. lack of promotion of product.
Opportunities:
1.rising demand for handicraft products in developed countries such as
USA,Canada,Britain,Franch,Germany,Italy etc.
2.developing fashion industry requires handicrafts product.
3.developing of sectors like retail, real estate that offers great requirements of handicraft products.
4.development of domestic and international tourism sector.
5.e-commerce and internet are emerged as promissory distribution channels to market and sell the
craft products.
Threats:
1.competion in domestic market.
2.balance between high demand and supply.
3.quality products produced by competing countries like China, South Afrika.
4.better trade terms offered by competing countries.
5.increased and better technological support and RandD facility in competing countries.
Fundamental or primary factors :

3
1. Raw materials: the availability of raw materials
2. market for products: market exercises a strong influence on the establishment of industries.
When market is regional, the industry is located nearer to the market.
3. Energy availability: fuel and power energy sources must be available.
4. Transportation facility: transport is the life line of modern industry. Transport facilities are
needed for bringing raw materials and sending the finished products. An industry tends to be
localized at places, which have transport facilities such as railway, road and seaport.
5.labor supply: low wages and abundant labor help in localization of cottage industry.
6.Government concession: government has been providing sub-sidies and tax concessions for the
cottage industries located in certain notified areas. These areas have been declared as industrially
backward and the government offers incentives, namely cheap power, tax concession. Earlier.
backward areas were not economically feasible, but now due to government concessions these areas
are developing fast.
7.water supply: the processing industries use large quanties of water for cooling, washing, steam
generation .the industry must be located in a place where a dependable supply of water is available.
8.site characteristic: the topography of the land and soil structure should be considered, since either
or both may have a pro-nounced effect on construction costs.the cost of the land, local building
construction cost and living conditions are important. Future changes for expanding the plant
facilities may be desirable or necessary.
9.community factors: the character and facilities of a community can have quite an effect on the
location.cultural facilities of the community are important for sound growth of cottage industry.
To sustain in market with competitive industries:
1.more effective supervision must be ensured.
2.division of labor or specialized work can be provided.
3.disruption of production is less
4.scope of expansion is high.
5.processing of work is quick and smooth.
6.cost of material handling can be reduced using conveyors.
7. floor space can be properly utilized.
8.inventory of work-in-progress is redused.

4
9.inventory of finished goods is less.
10.sequence of operations.
11.minimize the cost and maximize the profit.
12.ensuring superior quality with minimum cost.
13. ordering cost of raw materials must be low.

Pestle analysis of Handicraft industry:

1.political: a government may influence the handicraft industry by imposing progressive tax rate or
duty due to which entite revenue generating structures of industry might change. New tax
policies,trade tariffs , fiscal policy that may levy around the fiscal year and it may affect the business
environment.
Political unrest is also a barrier for declining the productivity of industry due to shut down .
2.Economic : rising the price level of raw materials due to inflation would affect the way industries
price, their products and services. It would affect the purchasing power of a consumer and due to
excess price , the demand for handicraft product will decline. Then it will affect the economic
performance of that industry. High interest rate against industry loan may decline the possibility of
handicraft industry.
3. Social : cultural behavior, pattern, design, norms, peoples taste and interest is always changeable
with the change of time, thats why, those may reduce the demand of handicraft product. Cultural
assault is also liable to change the peoples view, interest and test.
4.Technological : new technology may not be adoptable with the condition of the market. Due to
unskilled manpower and unawareness of labor , poor research and development may decline the
productivity of handicraft industry.
5. legal : consumer laws, safety standards, labor laws, government rules and regulations is barriers
for the development of handicraft industry.
6. Environment: handicraft product may not be suitable with the geographical location, climax,
weather, the surroundings of a particular region due to the changes of people taste and interest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Present situation of female participation :

Jute
Seed preservation 20%
Jute cultivation10%
Weaving/Spinning/Dying 15%
Jute Processing/watering 10%
Jute Industry and SME 15-20%
Activities of JDPC 45
Handicraft 85%
14

Textile
Handloom 20-25%
Primary Textile sector(PTS) 40%
Ready Made Garments(RMG) 85%
Silk sub sector 50%
Handicraft 90%

( source: usad : United States Agency for International Development) (july 2006):..
According to buyers, handicrafts are
products significant to the country where they are made,
due to skill, tradition, culture, and local materials used
Therefore, buyers argue that most of the
products made in China (and in countries seeking
to emulate Chinas production capabilities) are not
handicrafts, even though many are partially or fu
lly handmade. China will produce anything that you
will ask, better than anyone else, and at a better pr
ice, but these are not unique handicrafts like those
being produced in other countries.
.s

This study provides an analysis of the global market for handicrafts

and reveals the following trends
in the marketplace that impact handicraft producers in developing
countries:

.There is a growing market for home accessory

products, particularly in the high-end
segment.
It is expected to grow not only in West
ern markets but in all regions as middle-class
populations expand rapidly, particularly in China
and India. This trend suggests that there are
numerous and expanding opportunities for artisans in developing
countries to create products for
these markets.

China and Indiaalong with several other

Asian countriescurrently dominate handicraft
production worldwide, and are likely to cont
inue to do so for
the foreseeable future.
Their
position is based largely on low-cost
, high volume, Western-designed goods.

Many buyers and consumers seek unique produc

ts made in countries other than China.
While the market for purely indigenous designs is
limited, global styleproducts that combine
ethnic elements with contemporary designsis a
growing category and represents an opportunity
for handicraft producers.

Low-end (priority on low prices) and high-end (priority on high

quality) markets are
expanding, while the middle (moderate quality at
moderate prices) is relatively stagnant.
Whereas competition at the low end is strong an
d requires significant production capacity, the
luxury market tends to focus more on distinc
tive designs, higher quality, and smaller quantities
with greater flexibility in pricing.

Distribution channels in end markets are shortening.

Large and, increasingly, mid-size
retailers are importing directly, while small (and
many of the mid-size) retailers continue to
purchase merchandise principally, or entirely, from
domestic wholesale importers. As this trend
continues, many wholesale importers are losing im
portant clients and many
independent retailers
are struggling to compete in a marketplace
dominated by lower-priced big-box stores.
However, there is evidence that savvy small re
tailers can compete with distinctive, high-end
products. It is important to note that the vast ma
jority of importers, both wholesale and retail, rely
on the services of foreign exporters and agents, wh
ich many market experts see as critical to the
success of handicrafts in developing countries.
VIII
GLOBAL MARKET ASSESSMENT FOR HANDICRAFTS :

The large, direct-import retailers often operate

in ways that present barriers to micro and
small enterprises.

Their purchase orders typically require high production capacities,

strict
delivery dates, and specific labeling, packagi
ng, and packing. Advance deposits are unusual,
delayed payment terms are customary, and charge-back penalties for
mistakes are common.
While similar barriers exist with some wholesale
importers, many order smaller quantities, offer
prepayments to fund production with balances
paid upon delivery, and have fewer requirements
that could result in charge-backs.

Buyers of all types prefer multiple product

options to choose from, flexibility to make
design modifications, and, above all, reliable partners.
There are countless sources of product
in the world vying for attention; what buyers
seek most are items that sell from a producer who
can deliver.

Home accessories and dcor, gifts, and produc

ts for garden and outdoor living spaces are
hot, with forecasted continued growth, as are
products that are simultaneously decorative
and
functional.
These c

Swot analysis
2. Strengths of bangladeshi Handicrafts Industry Large, diversified and potential market.
There is large product variety and range is available because of diversified culture. It has
strong, diversified and supportive retail infrastructure. Diversified product range that service
different market. Cheap labor rates that result to competitive price. Need low capital
investment. There is flexible production flexibility. Low barriers of new entry.

3. Critical Success Factors of bangladeshi Handicrafts Industry Easy creation and

development of production centers. There is no need for macro-investment. Industry provides
potential sources of employment. Products are high value added, and handicrafts have various
applications. It is the potential source of foreign revenue because of higher export.
4. Weaknesses of bangladeshi Handicrafts Industry Lack of infrastructure and
communication facilities. Unawareness about international requirements and market. Lack of
co-ordination between government bodies and private players. Inadequate information of new
technology. Inadequate information of current market trends. Less interest of young people in
craft industry. Lack of skilled labor. Still confined to rural areas and small cities and untapped
market. Lack of promotion of products.
5. Opportunities in bangladeshi Handicrafts Industry Rising demand for handicraft
products in developed countries such as USA, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy etc.
Developing fashion industry requires handicrafts products. Development of sectors like Retail,
Real Estate that offers great requirements of handicrafts products. Development of domestic
and international tourism sector. e-Commerce and Internet are emerged as promissory
distribution channels to market and sell the craft products.
6. Threats for bangladeshi Handicrafts Industry Competition in domestic market.
Balance between high demand and supply. Quality products produced by competing countries
like China, South Africa. Better Trade terms offered by competing countries. Increased and
better technological support and R&D facility in competing countries.

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.

Textile based handicrafts:

Hand printed textiles including hand knitted and crochet, block and screen printing, batik, hand
printing by pen and tie-dye are used in products ranging from bed-covers to sheets, dress
material to upholstery and tapestry. The famous embroidered articles of silk and cotton often
embellished with mirrors, shells, beads, and metallic pieces are also found. Embroidery is done
too on leather, felt and velvet etc. This segment of the industry accounts for almost half a million
strong employment in addition to a large number of designers, block makers, weavers and
packers involved in the trade.

An Overview of the Handicraft Sector:

o Nature and structure of the Industry: Handicraft sector in Bangladesh is
comprises with small manufacturing units and mostly located in rural areas,

10

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. These are
followed by metal-works and pottery. A rough estimate shows that exports
occupy about 20% of the total production. Key players in the sector involved in
domestic supplies as well as exporters are:
Non Government Organization (NGO) exporters of Handicrafts. (Eg. Arong)
NGO supportive product house (Non exporters)
Private manufacturers /exporters. (Eg. Various jute good manufacturers)
Small private manufacturers (Non exporters, eg. Naksha, Rang, Nabarupa etc.)

Flashback of Bangladeshs Handicraft industry-

After 1970, Bangladeshs handicraft product was introduced in the market. And in 80s the
product got market acceptance, and this became its growth period. In the 90s, the handicraft
products of Bangladesh experienced a slow growth, and it is the maturity period of the product.
After 2000, the sales of product decreased because of its old design and poor quality. Moreover,
new competitors came with newly-designed, innovative and quality product. As a result,
Bangladeshs handicraft product faced a period of decline. Figure-01: Shows Bangladeshs
handicraft
product
life
cycle.

1970-1976

1977-1985

1985-2000

After 2000

Figure-01: Bangladeshs Handicraft product life cycle.

(Source: ECOTA fair trade forum)

11

1. Current profile of some leading Handicraft manufacturers:

There are more than 1000 large scale Handicraft producers in Bangladesh, where only 300 are
enlisted with Banglacraft (the association of handicraft manufacturers and exporters). A large no
of handicraft producer sells their good in local market and a few numbers are involved in export.
Table-01: Showing some leading organizations current profile.

OrganizationType
Start from
Manpower
Product House
Main product
Market
Turn Over

Hathay
Bunano p.s.
NGOs
2005
4000
38

Naksha

Prabartana

Arong

Prokritee

Private
1993
500
2

NGOs
1986
5000
-

NGOs
1976
65000
653

Kids items
(Toys,
dresses)

All types of
textile
Handicrafts

All types of
handicrafts

All types of
handicrafts

Export
-

Local
7-8Mn. Taka

99% Local
100Mn. Taka

96% Local
-

NGOS
2001
2000
20
All types of
Handicrafts
(Specially produce
Handmade paper)
99% Export
700Mn. Taka.

Table-01: Current position of some leading handicraft manufacturers in Bangladesh.

1. Product Composition and Production Base:

Figure-02: Hand Crochet Toys (Hathay Bunano p.s.)

12

Figure-03: Jute Footwear

Although a large variety of products feature in the handicraft industry, the numbers of products
that dominate in the export sector are not many. These are Shari (Silk, silk-cotton mixed, cotton,
jute-cotton mixed, Jamdani, others), Three piece, Punjabi, Fotua, Kids item, Lungi, Gamsa,
Towel, Nokshi kanta, Bed cover, Pillow case, Orna, Cotton made pebble, Jute products (College
Bag, Shopping bag, Ladies bag, Sandal, Show piece, Sika, Rope, etc), Feather goods, Hand
quilting/embroidery, Pottery, Cane Basketry etc. Others less conspicuous include products made
out of bamboo, wood, straw, grass, textile wall hangings and various metals. The important thing
about this segment of handicraft sector is that these products are focused to international
markets, based on importers specifications. Handloom weaving is mainly done in areas which
are traditionally specialized in the crafts and as such the manufacturing base is not very wide
spread. As regards block, screen printed and vegetable dyed craft etc. the existing supply has its
limit.

1. SWOT analysis of Bangladeshs Handicraft1. Strength of our Handicrafts: The following issues giving Handicraft business the
stamina to compete with the artificial machine made products and effort to take
place in domestic and international market2. It provides large product variety and range as it is full of diversified culture.
3. Industry is facilitated by diversified and supportive retail infrastructure across the
country.
4. Industry provides services to different market (Handicrafts, Textiles, Jewelry) because of
diversified product range.
5. Naturally we are resourceful in craft raw materials.
6. Industry needs low capital investment.
7. Low barriers for new entry in market.
8. Products are high value added, and handicrafts have various applications.
9. It is the potential source of foreign revenue because of higher export.
10. Industry provides potential sources of employment.

1. Impediments for Growth: The following weakness are the main barriers for the
Handicraft business development and making business more and more competitive -

13

Narrow product range and lack of new and innovative designs suitable for overseas markets;
have been identified as main constraints for growth of handicraft export from Bangladesh.
Industry is lacking with infrastructure and communication facilities.
Lack of capabilities in producing large volume.
Lack of updated information on changing tastes and preferences of overseas buyers often
restricts market access of potential products.
Lack of finance and non-introduction of effective technology are also recognized as major
inadequacy for healthy growth of the sector.
Absence of properly equipped design centre, a long cherished demand of the handicraft
exporting community, is also responsible for a great deal of the drawbacks in production, design,
innovation and adaptation and so on.
Lack of co-ordination between government bodies and private players.
Inadequate information of current market trends.
There is lack of skilled artesian.
Industry is still confined to rural areas and small cities which creates a great transport problem.
Low or no involvement of Technical person such as Textile Engineers, Fashion designers etc.
1. Opportunity: The Handicraft business can be developed by ensuring proper use of the
following opportunitiesGSP in EU markets
Emerging demand for handicrafts goods in developed countries such as USA, UK, Japan, India,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy etc.
Rising demand and usage of handicrafts products in fashion industry.
Development of sectors like Retail that offers great requirements of handicrafts products.
Developing of domestic and international tourism sector.
E-commerce and Internet are emerged as promissory distribution channels to market and sell the
craft products.
Our cultural and jute good has got values in overseas market.

14

People likes diversified designs and handmade items

Cheap manpower available in our country.
Potential source of foreign revenue.

1. Threats for our Handicrafts sector: Our Handicraft business has the following threats
which reducing our business and causes of unemployment

Hand-crafted products have to compete on price, design and adaptability with modern
machine made products, which make difficulties for our traditional products to be
competitive in international market.
Artificial automated product produced by competing countries, as Chinese embroidery
machine products compete with our hand stitch.
Use of polyester, nylon, acrylic and other manmade elements in competing artificial
products which reducing the product cost of artificial product.
Quality products produced by competing countries like India, Pakistan, China, South
Africa, etc.
Competing countries are enjoying better Trade Terms sometimes.
Competing countries are offering better technological support and R&D facility in their
countries.

1. Prospect for the future:

Although export of handicrafts from Bangladesh is yet to figure prominently, it is true that
potential for growth of the sector is immense. Studies/surveys conducted by the EPB and
BANGLACRAFT (An association of Handicraft producers and exporters) and ECOTA (Fair
trade Forum) provide strong evidence in support of this. In the light of these finding, it appears
that the main markets for our handicraft product are in gifts, house wares, home decoration,
seasonal products, toys and personal accessories. Scope for expansion of our market
opportunities may be viewed keeping in mind the following factors1. Work force:
Abundance of easily available skilled and semi skilled workforce associated with the handicraft
industry is indeed a very encouraging factor. Existing workforce in this sector is near about 4
million, most of whom have accepted the craft work as a means of their livelihood. Organized
effort towards skill development and product promotion will no doubt enable this remarkable
workforce in a much bigger way. Along with workforce, comes the issue of low wage which
reduces production cost considerable rendering the products competitive.
1. Preferential Tariffs and government support in cash:

15

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in European and American markets for Bangladeshi
handicrafts is an impetus for our exporters and it is making their products competitive. Although
implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements will gradually phase out
such preferential treatment, Bangladesh as a least developing country (LDC) will continue to
enjoy the benefits to tariff preference of sometime in future. Some products of handicrafts are
enjoying cash incentives on their export which is a great stimulus of encouraging handicrafts
export.
1. Overseas Market and its opportunities:
Organized effort in marketing Bangladeshi handicrafts overseas is, in fact, a matter of recent
past-although some of the products were able to find export destinations a little time back. As
mentioned earlier, not many products dominate in the export oriented handicraft sector. And all
though at present Bangladeshi handicrafts are being exported to well over 50 countries of
different continents, more than 70% of the total merchandise is lifted by the European,
American, Indian and Japanese market. Table 02: Showing export values of different fiscal years
excluding textile handicrafts.

Table 02: Handicraft Export

of different FY.
(Source: EPB statistical report)
Export In
Fiscal Year
Million US$
(FY)
2002-2003
5.90
2003-2004
4.21
2004-2005
5.12
2005-2006
4.30
2006-2007
8.16
2007-2008
5.49
2008-2009
6.44
2009-2010
7.41 (Target)
This is a list of Handicrafts,
excluding textile handicraft
goods.

16

Figure-04: Country base export chart of handicraft goods on 3 FY indicating specific

market areas. [Which is based on following Handicraft goods- Coir products, Cotton Bag, Jute
footwear, Handicrafts, Jamdani sharee, Jute carpet, Jute manufactures, Other textile goods, Silk
fabrics, Toys, Wooden furniture.]
(Source: Bangladesh Export Statistics, EPB)

Studies suggested that handicraft export from Bangladesh can find bigger opening in a number of
product areas and at the same time consolidate existing export base in some of the traditional
product range. Traditional Bangladeshi products which have made some dent in the export
market have the potential for increasing their market share significantly. These are traditional
decorative textiles (muslin, nakshi kantha, jamdani), block printed, vegetable dyed textiles,
artificial flowers, woven jute products, cane basketry, pottery, small leather goods (wallets,
purse, belts), etc. Appropriate adaptation of some of the Bangladeshi handicrafts can also be
expected to command increased share in the target markets. Figure-04: Showing country based
export
of
three
different
FY.
The chart is created with the major exporting countries of Bangladesh, it showing a growing
market opportunity for handicraft goods in Japan, The Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Italy,
France, UK, Germany, and in our Local market also. But at the same time we have to provide
effort to increase export in India and other decrementing large markets. If our government

17

patronizes this marketing process by arranging some international trade fair on only Handicrafts
as like DITF then we should be able to capture a large market beside our large competitor India,
Pakistan
and
China.

Some suggestions to overcome the problems-

In accordance of the discussion with the craft-peoples, some craft-exporters and

BANGLACRAFT the following suggestions has made to make a way for the development of
Handicrafts business in Bangladesh

Setting up of design development centre is urgently needed for producing new product
and product diversification. Crafts men to be trained for better performance, innovation
and technology to be provided for overall development of the sector in a design
development institute.
Set up handicraft industrial park/ handicraft village/clusters of producers linked with lead
exporters to ensure sustainability
Enhance capacity of the exporters for getting market information.
Develop fund for identifying new markets and new products.
Access to finance be made easy.
Facilitate exporter participation in trade fairs, designing catalogues and preparing for
exhibition.
Continued and focused attention has to be given to handicrafts for up-gradation of skill,
creation of better work environment and development of cluster for specific crafts with
common service and improvement of infrastructures and market development.
Quality raw materials to be ensured for product diversification.
Branding Bangladesh is very essential at this moment because some of the buyers sell our
quality products in their brand which is preventing our market growth.
Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has told that, she will try to Make Every Home a
Industry. By considering handicraft she can really elaborate it like, Every home will be
a handicraft industry, because it is the only industry which can flourish at this tough
time of gas and energy crisis. PMs strong campaign for saving environment from climate
change may promote the hand made goods like handicrafts globally. An integrated
branding and promotion of Bangladeshi Handicrafts can be great tool of poverty
alleviation also.
Focus will be on capacity building of the SMEs to support all companies to comply with
the international product oriented code of conduct.
Integrating and redefining of handicraft industry is possible by separating Handicrafts
from the Textile Sector. It will help to create a new branch of national trade as a unique
business beside textile business, thats why at first EPB need to take steps by separating
the handicraft exports from textile exports.
Arrangement of International Handicraft Fair to attract more buyers and thus reducing
difficulties in entering to overseas market for our Traditional and Non-Traditional
Handmade goods.
Without a doubt, the global market for handicrafts and hand-made goods is expanding.
When customers are faced with two products of similar price, quality and design, they

18

will invariably select hand-made goods in changed world with environment

consciousness. The cost of production of hand-made items is smaller in Bangladesh
whilst it is possible to make competitively priced handicrafts in Bangladesh, it is
important to understand that pricing is one of the key factors for

Figure-05: Work Bring Happiness

(Minoti Mondol produc ing hand knitted craft goods at her home ordered by Prokritee.)

Conclusion:

In our country the handicrafts are mainly regulated by non-technical persons who possess very
little technical knowledge and there is no involvement of textile engineers (thus product
development and quality product is quite impossible). The workers are mainly un-skilled women
and children. We can develop this sector as a wide earning sector to contribute to our national
economy by involving Textile Experts in this sector and by developing manpower skill. Finally it
should be helpful to introduce our tradition or culture to the globe. Efforts are underway through
close collaboration of public and private sectors toward product promotion, diversification and
export marketing. However, there is still the need for intensification of efforts at the levels of
production and marketing as well as design innovation and adaptation. Our exporters of
handicrafts should bear in mind that while creation of export market is a challenging task,
maintenance of the market is a more challenging one dependent on regular supplies, quality
assurance, and last but not the least fulfillments of the consumer test and preferences.