More than 5,000 different handmade products would be developed in three years' time through "Handicraft Export Development" project for exportable purposes. These products would be export-oriented, competitive handicrafts products through capacity building of artisans and craft persons across the country, the official documents related to project indicated.
The total cost of Handicraft Export Development Project is Rs 236.55 million, which was approved by Central Development Working Party (CDWP) recently. The total cost of the project was initially put at Rs 385 million. However it was rationalized by bringing it down to Rs 236.55 million before its approval.
The project envisages promotion of exports of value-added non-farm handmade products and development of business in rural areas through skill enhancement of products, exploiting overseas markets for local products. It also encompasses interventions to particularly improve production techniques, which will result in job creation and poverty alleviation.
Under this project, capacity of 16,800 artisans and crafts persons particularly women would be enhanced through training of 800 master craft persons.
The scope of the project also aimed at tapping of international markets through international research consultants and setting up displays in well-known outlets nationally and internationally. It also envisages establishment of network between importers and exporters. Project will also help to gather information and data about export markets for Pakistani handicrafts products.
It will also improve skill base and knowledge of handicrafts workers, producers and exporters and would help in cluster-based development of handicraft industry.
The project would be implemented in all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir areas and will be likely completed in three- year time.
According to working paper of the project, handicraft sector is facing several issues like low quality of products, inadequate local & international marketing, unskilled handicrafts artisans and craft persons, insufficient use of technology etc.
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