An Assignment

On

Handicraft Change of life

Date of submission: 21/07/2013

An Assignment
On

Handicraft Change of life

Submitted to:
Md. Lecturer Department of Marketing Comilla University

Submitted by:
Name
Md.Alamin Sabuj

ID NO 12030726

Date of Submission: 21 / 07 / 2013

INDEX
Description
Introduction Classification: SWOT analysis Global Handicrafts Trends Handicrafts Products and Market Segments Conclusion

Page No
5 6-8 9-12 13-14 15-17 18

Abstract: Handicrafts and Textile Handicraft business is related to the accumulation of handmade product from over the country and to sell them in retail shops or to export in another countries. People have a great passion for this type of product because it contains flavour of culture and it has a variety of design. The SWOT analysis of the Handicraft Product can help us to determine the current situation of business, challenges and gaps between demand and supply, source of raw materials and manpower, potentiality of employment, and its prospect for future. Bangladesh is a developing and overpopulated country; thus labor intensive technology can be more appreciable than capital intensive technology for the industries. Application of a large amount of low compensated workers to produce handicraft product will be beneficial for us from dual aspects. The first one is reduction in un-employment thus poverty alleviation and the second one is the earning of handsome amount of foreign currency. . The paper is concerned with narration of the themes. To prepare this paper I visited some local and export oriented handicraft organizations in Dhaka, Narayanganj etc. and discussed with the organization authorities about their business profile and production aspect. I also visited EPB, Bangladesh to get handicraft goods export data of previous fiscal years, Banglacraft and ECOTA for Handicraft business related information. Introduction The importance of the Textile Handicrafts and Handicraft sector in Bangladesh cannot be traced back to any particular point of time. Rooted deeply in the long heritage of the land, it grew gradually over centuries representing the rich, unique traditions of the soil, its people and their distinctive culture. The nourishing factors that helped the sector flourish are love of the artisans for their craft, coupled with their untiring effort to survive against odds. Of late, however facilitating services offered by the public and various private agencies to organize and strengthen the sector have paved the way for better and efficient performance of the sector. This has definitely resulted in an integrated and structured approach toward production and marketing and today the handicraft industry of Bangladesh look much well organized then it was a decade back. However, there is no denying the fact that despite considerable advancement, potential of the sector still appear largely unexplored and a bulk of the resources untapped. Innovative adaptation is yet to reach a satisfactory level. Beside the supply side constraints, dearth of technology and inadequate export marketing drive continue to be the main impediments for speedy growth of the industry. Importance of Handicrafts: The Cultural Importance: Handicrafts play very important role in representing the culture and traditions of any country or region. Handicrafts are a substantial medium to preserve of rich traditional art, heritage and culture, traditional skills and talents which are associated with peoples lifestyle and history. The Economic Importance: Handicrafts are hugely important in terms of economic development. They provide ample opportunities for employment even with low capital investments and become a prominent medium for foreign earnings.

Classification: Handicrafts industry comprises diversified products portfolio and there is large variety available in market. Handicrafts products can be distinguished into following: Metal ware, Wood ware, Hand printed textiles, Embroidered and crocheted goods, Shawls, Carpets, Bamboo products, Zari goods, Imitation jewellery, Paintings, Earthenware, Jute products, Marble Sculpture, Bronze Sculpture, Leather Products and other (are u going to produce all these ) miscellaneous handicrafts. 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: Nature and structure of the Industry: 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. 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.

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.

Organization-

Hathay Bunano p.s. NGOs 2005 4000 38 Kids items (Toys, dresses)

Naksha

Prabartana

Arong

Prokritee

Type Start from Manpower Product House Main product

Private 1993 500 2 All types of textile Handicrafts

NGOs 1986 5000 All types of handicrafts

NGOs 1976 65000 653 All types of handicrafts

NGOS 2001 2000 20 All types of Handicrafts (Specially produce Handmade

paper) Market Turn Over Export Local 7-8Mn. Taka 99% Local 100Mn. Taka 96% Local 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.)

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 upply has its limit.s

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.

Impediments for Growth: The following weakness are the main barriers for the Handicraft business development and making business more and more competitive 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. People likes diversified designs and handmade items Cheap manpower available in our country. Potential source of foreign revenue. Threats for our Handicrafts sector: Our Handicraft business has the following threats which reducing our business and causes of unemployment-

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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: 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 11

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.

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 patronizes this marketing process by arranging some international trade fair on only

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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 BangladeshSetting 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 will invariably select hand-made goods in changed world with environment consciousness. The cost of production of hand-made items is smaller in

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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 GLOBAL HANDICRAFTS TRENDS Handicraft products are not identified separately in H.S. Codes and therefore no reliable trade data is available on an international level. According to an extensive study done by US AID n 2006 on the Global Market Assessment for Handicrafts it specified that handicrafts arepart of a much larger home accessory market, which includes handcrafted, semi hand crafted, and machine-made goods. The study also examined the global demand of handicraft as part of the home accessory market in the U.S. as an indicator of the size of demand. The global market for home accessories was estimated to be at least $100 billion in 2006 according to the study. The U.S. is the largest importer of the home accessories and was valued at $67 billion, the second largest market is the E.U. collectively followed by Japan and Hong Kong. The study segments the home accessory market in the U.S. in 2004 according to market share as follows: Accessories and Gifts 22%, Accent furniture 21%, Portable lamps 11%, Area rugs 9%, Wall dcor 9%, Lighting fixtures 7%, Tabletop and tabletop accessories 7%,Collectibles 6%, Soft goods 5% and Permanent botanicals 4%.The study highlighted the potential buyers of handicrafts in the U.S. as follows: 1- Specialty and lifestyle stores as this category looks for unique products not available at mass retailers. 2- Catalog and internet retailers, which is the direct to consumer channel. A high percentage of young consumers in the U.S., including Hispanics and African Americans, are buying home accessories through this channel. 3- Independent retailers, which are small stores such as tourists shops, art galleries and museums. This channel has been traditionally a large and constant outlet for handicrafts and there is a growth in the luxury market. The study lists most common raw materials used by handicraft producers as classified by ITC as follows: Basket, wicker and vegetable fibers, Metal, Leather, Paper, Pottery, Wood, Soap, Textiles, Stone, Glass, Bone, Horn, Shells and a combination of different materials and techniques. As for price segmentation, the study cites four main handicraft categories and price segments as follows: 1- Functional wares: items made in a workshop or small factory that mass-produces handmade goods such as pottery, tiles, or furniture for national or export markets. This segment falls into the low-end market and is sold through big-box stores. 2- Traditional art: ethnic crafts marketed locally by creating interest in the culture and by maintaining high quality. This segment falls into the mid-to-high-end markets and is sold by small chains and independent retail stores. 3- Designer goods: sometimes based on local crafts but always redesigned by foreigners to suit fashion trends in the export market. This segment falls into the high-end market segment and is sold by specialty stories. 4- Souvenirs: inexpensive, universal trinkets or simplified traditional crafts made for local retail or sold through international development agencies as tokens of good will. This segment falls into the low-end market and is sold by souvenir and gift shops in resorts and vacation areas. 14

The major exporters of handicrafts are China, India and Vietnam. China is the largest exporter of home accessories globally and in April 2005, China produced an estimated 70% of all home accessory products sold in the U.S. India total exports of handicrafts amounted to $3.5 billion in 2007 and 30% is exported to the U.S. Vietnam Handicraft exports in 2007 stood at US$824 million. In terms of main trends in handicrafts, it is growing commoditization of handicrafts production, shorter product lifecycles and an emphasis on creating new designs, the move from indigenous designs towards contemporary minimalism designs, the push to differentiate by focusing on luxury items and a significant growth in online sales.

HANDICRAFTS PRODUCTS AND MARKET SEGMENTS In this section, textile products, ceramics and pottery, and mosaic products will be analyzed in terms of major products sold and segmentation of markets based on feedback from surveying major producers of these three product categories. Market segments in the handicraft industry tend to vary with individual products. The surveys of Jordanian handicraft producers revealed that in general there are two main target markets for the producers which are the tourists market and the second market is the local market that includes individual buyers and corporate and government buyers. 1-Textile Products The most sold embroidery product is small gift items (coasters, tea cozy sets, soft toys, makeup bags, etc) which are predominantly sold to tourists through duty free shops, gift shops at hotels, producers own showrooms, and retailers outlets at tourists sites. Other embroidery items that are popular with tourists are cushion covers, runners, shawls and tablecloths amongst others. Examples of the retail price range for small gift items sold by a successful private business is 22$ - 25$ for a tea cozy set. Therefore, gift items that are under 30 USD$

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are the most sold embroidery product and tourists is the largest buyer segment. Besides tourists, embroidery products are also sold to local buyers as corporate or governmental gifts (embroidered wooden boxes), to hotels (tablecloths and wall hangings) and to individual local buyers. Export markets for embroidery products make up 20% of production and sales are concentrated in the Gulf region and Saudi Arabia. As for weaving products, the main products are rugs, runners, wall hangings and pillows. The largest buyers in descending order are governmental gifts, local buyers, tourists and corporate gifts.

2- Ceramics and Pottery Products There are two main buyer segments for ceramics and pottery products, which are tourists and local buyers. The largest buyer segment is the tourist market, and the most sold ceramics and pottery products for tourists are small gift items and ornaments. Products are sold through retail outlets at tourists sites. Ceramics that are targeted at the local market are ceramic art ware and the most sold products in descending order are (salad bowls, nut bowls, amphorae, plates and pencil holders). In addition ceramics and pottery are sold as corporate and government gift items. These products are sold either through the producers own showrooms or through retailers. Around 70% of ceramics are sold locally and 30% is exported. Export markets for ceramic and pottery products are concentrated in the Gulf region and Saudi Arabia. 3- Mosaic Products According to the retailers, there is a high demand for mosaic products, which is not being met by local production. In fact, it was mentioned by one of the large retailers that 80-90% of mosaic sold in Jordan is made in Syria. The reason for low production in mosaic is because it is very labor intensive and ordan lacks the labor pool that will ensure sustainability of the business for local producers. The most sold mosaic products is small gift items for tourists (retail price from 2-45 JDs), floor tiles (500 JDs per square meter), wall to wall artwork 500 JDs per square meter), pictures (45-1000 JDs) and furniture (350-1500 JDs). The largest buyer segments in descending order are tourists, local buyers, hotels, export orders, corporate and government gift items. Most mosaics are sold in the local market and around 30% is sold to international markets including the U.S., France, the U.K. and the Gulf region.

Market analysis

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Primary data for gathering information regarding manufacturing requirements and facilities available at Shekhawati region was collected by personal interview with different manufacturers selected on the basis of random sampling survey method. 2. Secondary data regarding world demand and supply positions, Indian Handicraft status and other relevant information were gathered from different websites. Research Instruments: Questionnaire (See Annexure I) was used to collect the data on
both the sensitivity of demand and supply, customer preferences and to know the market potential and future growth. After deciding the research approach and instruments, sampling plan was prepared.

Demand Analysis After conducting the market survey in the form of questionnaire and interview of the manufacturers, the next step is to estimate the effective demand in the past and the present. As per the secondary data the demand of wooden handicraft is as follows: Total Demand in units = 9200000 units/year (on an average of all items listed below) Category wise demand of wooden handicraft: Demand Forecasting The information collected in market analysis is helpful in forecasting estimated demand for my product. As 0.082% of the total market is the potential market for my product, this is the market for local brands. On the basis of this survey, my product will replace 0.082% of the total demand. The market is growing with a growth rate of 15 %; accordingly my production will be there. These also decide my capacity as on the basis of the market demand my capacity will be 60% for 1st year & than will grow accordingly. The plant will run only in one shift. Strategic Marketing Plan: Wooden handicraft is being an unbranded commodity, so as such the manufacturers incur no promotional expenditure. Sometimes they just increase the commissions or the margins of these, if the targets are achieved enormously. But in order to differentiate the product and capture the existing market and to develop strong customer base, some strategic marketing plan is necessary to be designed and implemented. Various strategies that will be used being a new entrant are: Steady supply with timely delivery to fulfil the demand of the domestic area as well as outside area and good quality would be one of the strategic strength of the marketing plan. Apart from good quality good designs are an important factor. These designs will be based on traditional pattern so that it can impress foreign customer. Besides from these efforts e-commerce is also a promotional tool for marketing of this product. So I will do online selling also in order to promote my product. So orders will also be taken online apart from fax and telephonically Process involve in manufacturing of wooden handicraft: A lot of skill and hard work goes into every piece of Indian wooden handicraft. It mirrors Indian culture, and each handicraft is a masterpiece in its own right. Let's take a peek at the actual process which goes into creating a piece of wooden handicraft.

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 Raw wood available in the form of logs is cut into planks of desired thickness and length. The piece of wood is then seasoned to obtain a texture which is favourable for carving. Decorative patterns are first drawn on the wood with a pencil. The design is then carved into the wood with a carving tool. Craftsmen inlay the wooden handicraft with metal, bone, or wood which gives off a contrast effect, enhancing the intricacies of the carved design. Different pieces of carved wood are joined together to make complete, functional objects. A protective coating is applied with a suitable wood finish.

Production Time
Wood carving is a time consuming process. The time needed by Indian craftsmen to create carved wooden handicrafts may range anywhere from a week (for small items) to a few months (for large items which require elaborate carving techniques.

Production Tools
Indian craftsmen have a wide range of tools at their disposal, depending on the stage of production. Some of them are as follows: Saws: Powered by an electric motor, Band saws are used to cut off scrap wood effortlessly. Chain saws are used to cut logs for large carvings. Drills are primarily used to drill holes, and they are available with several attachments to perform sanding, sawing, mixing paint etc. Lathes are used to turn wood. They are used to make spherical, cylindrical or round objects. They are handy while making vases, bowls, and plates. Primarily used for whittling and chip carving, Carving knives are also used to make the surface of the wood smooth. Wood-carving chisels have a sharp flat edge which is used to cut into the wood. They are available in bent, straight, and spoon shapes. U-gouges have curved cutting edges which form a 'u' shape, hence the name. Craftsmen use them to remove large pieces of unwanted wood, to define large shapes, and to round out the edges. Also known as parting tools, V-gouges are used to cut fine lines. They are used for outlining while carving intricate patterns. These tools are not specific and easily available at local market because it is manufactured locally.

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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.

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