DHAKA, Dec 1, 2025 (BSS) - Transforming Bangladesh's traditional handicrafts sector into a sustainable and export-oriented industry require addressing long-standing challenges including limited access to finance, shortages of skilled labour, rising raw-material costs and weak international branding. 

These issues were highlighted at a workshop titled 'Strategies for the Development of Bangladesh's Handicrafts', organized by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in city today.

Participants emphasized that although Bangladesh has a domestic market worth hundreds of crores of taka and access to a billion-dollar global market, the sector's full potential cannot be realized without coordinated government-private initiatives, research, design development, and supportive policies, said a press release.

Speakers recommended measures such as easier access to finance, market expansion, digital marketplaces, the establishment of design centers, enhanced training programs and export promotion.

PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader chaired the workshop, while Deputy Managing Director Dr Akond Md Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome remarks. 

PKSF Deputy General Manager Md Habibur Rahman presented a detailed overview of the current status of the handicrafts sector, its market potential, challenges, and development strategies. 

His presentation highlighted that handicrafts remain one of Bangladesh's most traditional yet rapidly growing sectors. Currently, around 148,000 artisans are engaged in this sector-56% of them women-with 95.8% of home-based production, contributing substantially to the rural economy. 

Key export products include Nakshi Kantha, clay products, bamboo and cane crafts, Jamdani, jute goods, and terracotta, with major markets in the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Md Fazlul Kader stated that with easier access to finance, enhanced technical training, and simplified export procedures, the handicrafts sector could play an even greater role in earning foreign exchange, economically empowering women, and creating employment opportunities. 

He urged both the government and private sector partners to collaborate in transforming the sector into a more organized, sustainable, and internationally competitive industry.
Speakers recommended strategic interventions such as strengthening supply chains, developing artisan villages, expanding financing and export-promotion initiatives, enhancing international standards and certification, establishing design centers, providing training, and boosting digital marketplaces and e-commerce. 

They stressed that coordinated policy support and strong private-sector partnerships are essential for tapping into the billion-dollar global market.