Around 10,000 New Handicraft Products Of Various Categories

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th August, 2016) : "Aik Hunar Aik Nagar" (AHAN), a dedicated organization providing capacity building opportunities to craftsmen linked with production of handicrafts, has developed around 10,000 new handicraft products of various categories.

Besides, approximately 142 clusters with 28,000 artisans have been trained under supervision of designers and product development staff of AHAN which has been working under Ministry of Industries and Production to facilitate rural craft persons to display and exhibit their products in overseas markets. Official sources on Tuesday said the trained artisans are facilitated to participate in exhibitions and trade fairs. Subsequently, these artisans are encouraged to develop linkages with major buyers and markets locally and internationally. Elaborating further, the sources said AHAN has been ensuring craft related skill enhancement and capacity building, product development designing, Technological Input and Finishing & Quality Assurance. Regarding steps being taken to increase exports of handicrafts of the country, the sources said there are several government departments which are promoting development and export of handicraft.

They said Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is regularly participating in local and international fairs and exhibitions, and organizing trade delegations to promote exports of handicraft items. TDAP organized WEXNET consecutively for 2 years as products focus in the events were ladies and children garments, woolen hand woven shawls, shoes, jewelry, furniture, handicrafts made of clay/ ceramics, dry flowers, gift items of fiberglass, colored glass, jute, wood lamps, embroidered items, batik work, health products, bed linen products and embroidered cushions of leather etc.

Similarly, Aalishan Pakistan held in India also showcased Pakistani handicraft items. The sources said TDAP also provides facilitation through Commercial Counselors abroad to exporters of handicrafts. For skill development and capacity building of the craftsmen, training institutes have been established in sectors like Textile, Leather, Surgical, Jewellery, etc.

while seminars on export related issues and standards are regularly organized for awareness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the sector.