The prevailing declining trend in export of Bangladeshi handicrafts might lead to closure of numerous handicrafts units and leave a substantial number of underprivileged female workers unemployed, industry insiders said. The country's export earning against handicrafts has been significantly decreasing during the last couple of years. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data showed during the first ten months of the current fiscal (2010-11), the country earned $3.48 million by exporting handicrafts. The amount is almost one-third of the earning from the same sector in 2006-07 fiscal. According to the statistics of the EPB, Bangladesh exported handicrafts worth US$ 3.79 million in the fiscal 2009-10, down by $6.44 million than the previous fiscal. Exports also declined to $5.49 million in 2007-08, from $8.16 million in 2006-07. "We are getting very meagre support from the government, except 20 per cent cash incentives, which mainly caused the present downward trend in handicrafts export. Only cash incentives cannot promote the export," President of the Bangladesh Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BHMEA) Golam Ahsan said. "We have requested the authorities concerned several times for setting up a modern craft village, where local producers can set up their factories, and the government would assure required facilities, like - common service centre, design centre, and bulk warehouse etc for them. However, we are yet to see any progress in this regard," he also said. "Apathy from the government is gradually leading to closure of a number of handicrafts producing units. As a result, workers of those units, mostly women, are getting unemployed." "Bangladeshi handicrafts have high demand in foreign markets, but the country is yet to explore the potentials of the sector." "Top handicrafts exporting nations, like - India, China, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, adjudge the sector as a booster of their economy as well as an example of national pride. But unfortunately we're neglecting the sector," Mr Ahsan said. "Absence of modern technology causes lower productivity in the local export-oriented handicrafts units. Besides, high rates of interest on bank loan add to their woes," he added. The BHMEA president also urged the government to establish the proposed design centre for the sector. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to allot 12 decimals of land at Kakrail in the city on May 2001 for the centre, following demands of the local handicrafts manufacturers. "To this effect, the then prime minister had issued a written order to the Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Commerce. The project is yet to begin despite those initiatives," he added. "We're unable to tap the international market, as we cannot synchronise with the rapidly changing trends of global fashion industry. As a result, we fail to meet the foreign buyers' demand," the BHMEA leader said. "We should now emphasise on analysing the changing taste of the foreign buyers. Therefore, a well-equipped design centre is a must for facilitating the sector, and ensuring its survival," he added. Treasurer of BHMEA Kazi Shahab Uddin said if the government provides all necessary supports to the sector, it is possible to export handicrafts worth $10.0 million every year within the next two years. Vietnam earns $900 million per year by shipping handicrafts due to integrated efforts of their government and private sector, he added. According to the BHMEA, most of the exported handicrafts are made of low-cost waste paper and waste jute, and other commonly found raw materials, like - palm leaf, date leaf, sea grass, bamboo etc. The UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and some other countries of the European Union (EU), the Middle East, Japan and the US are the major destinations of Bangladeshi handicrafts. A number of world renowned companies, like - Kick, Ross, Aldi, Toyota etc, are importing Bangladeshi handicrafts for using as their promotional items.
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