S. U. Haider
President, BANGLACRAFT
The Bangladesh Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters Association-BANGLACRAFT was formed in 1979. BANGLACRAFT represents the handicrafts sector of Bangladesh, mainly formedwith the manufacturers, exporters, traders, producers, designers, promoters and suppliers of all handicrafts products. BANGLACRAFT is a non-profit organizationand became an A class member of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry-FBCCI. The Association was registered with the Joint Stock Company and DTO office under the Ministry of Commerce.
Handicrafts have an important contribution in earning foreign currency through the export of handmade products using 100% local raw materials. Millions of artisans at the village level are involved in this sector and their livelihood is earned through craftsmanship.The global handicrafts market size reached to $752.2 billion in 2022; the market will reach to $1296.6 billion by 2028.During the Covid-19 handicrafts export from Bangladesh have increased by 60% (approx.).
If cash incentives are enhanced volume of export will increase more; because our entrepreneurs have to compete with China, India and Vietnam to survive in global market. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the total income from the handicrafts sector in the last financial year (2021-22) was 4 crores 2 million 83 thousand dollars.
Handicrafts products such as jute, palm leaves, bamboo, cane, seagrass, water hyacinth and kaisaetc.natural materials are well suited in the era of green economy. The current petroleum based economy that is slowly emerging as a threat to the survival of human civilization. Conscious buyers are leaning towards eco-friendly, biodegradable products from their own awareness. Exports of handicrafts at the national level is still showing low due to lack of proper HS code but actual figure will cross $1.00 billion.