It seeks to increase employment and improve quality of life for poor and disadvantaged Cambodians through a stronger, more competitive handicrafts sector.
What problem or need is the project addressing?
The production of handicrafts is an important livelihood for many people in Cambodia, often providing their only source of income. In order to support the growth of the sector, handicraft businesses need help to access export markets so they can increase their sales and provide employment to a greater number of disadvantaged producers.
International buyers are interested in Cambodian products but cite a number of problems including inconsistent quality and production capacity, weak translation of design concepts, and inefficient order fulfillment procedures. Local producers in turn struggle to identify and build relationships with export buyers, fund investment in production capacity and workforce improvements, build design capacity and manage the high demands of international customer expectations.
What is the project doing?
The CraftNetwork project focuses particularly on the export of silk handicrafts. An export promotion and technical assistance centre has been established, which facilitates sales to international buyers, and provides technical assistance and support to producers.
A full complement of services is offered to both, for example quality assurance and logistics coordination for international buyers, and support to local producers in areas such as marketing, design and quality control.
IFC decided that the project should be managed by Traidcraft Exchange, due to our expertise and knowledge of the handicraft sector both in Cambodia and in international markets.
What impact has the project had?
The project is still under way but is having very encouraging results. Silk handicraft businesses have received capacity building support to help them deal with the demands of the export market, and have seen their export sales increase substantially through the CraftNetwork. This in turn is having a beneficial effect on poor producers since, as their sales grow, these businesses are able to take on additional workers as well as improve the benefits they provide to their current workforce.
How is this project funded?
This project is funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
