by My Himachal News bureau on: September 6, 2007

myHimachal, India

State Government would revive the State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation keeping in view its importance in revival of the traditional art and craft of the State. This was revealed by Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister while reviewing the possibilities of reviving the Corporation in the best interest of the artisans of the State here last evening

Singh said that the Corporation had been imparting training to the artisans in wood work, metal work, traditional handicrafts and handlooms by organizing training camps in the rural areas. He said that the State was known for its distinct Tribal Art, Shawls, Chamba Handkerchief and above all Kangra Paintings. He said that the Corporation had played significant role in revival of the traditional art and craft. He said that the State Handicraft and Handloom Corporation had been promoting the State’s Art within and outside the State.

Singh said that there was an urgent need for diversification of the activities of the Corporation to make it emerge as a viable venture, stabilize its turnover, maintain reasonably good cash flow management and also to find innovative methods of sale and marketing of its products and bye-products. He said that people were crazy to buy quality handicrafts and handlooms to maintain their high standards and tastes which could be encashed by boosting the marketing strategies of the Corporation.

Chief Minister emphasized the need to revive the Wood Carving of Sangla valley, Metal Craft of Leo in Kinnaur, Stone Carving of Jangla in Rohroo, Guler Painting of Guler in Kangra, Thanka Painting of tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, Horse Hair Crafts of Chamba, traditional Metal Craft of Mandi and Kullu, Chamba Rumal, Pottery of Kangra and

Arpit Parashar

Delhi Newsline, India

NOIDA, September 03: HUNDREDS of small and medium exporters of cottage products stand to lose international customers as builders of a Noida mart have “failed” to comply with environment law.

The Union Ministry of Environment & Forests has ordered a halt to construction of the second phase of the Indian Expo Centre & Mart Ltd (IEML) as stipulated arrangements have not been made for multi-level parking, sewage treatment, waste disposal, saving energy, and tapping solar power. The ministry issued orders to halt work on May 26. However, IEML managing director Rakesh Kumar told Newsline that it was stopped only “a few weeks back.” Those in the know say that obtaining clearance and completing construction could take at least six months.

An expo is scheduled for October, so businesses hoping to use the 900 showrooms and a few exhibition halls being built under the second phase are unlikely to be able to take part in it.

Putting the environment ministry’s requirements in place could cost some Rs 90 crore, and those who have invested in the mart say IEML and the builders had jeopardised their prospects by trying to cut corners to save money.

IEML was set up by a group of handicrafts exporters as a special purpose vehicle. The foundation stone was laid in 2003, and in the Rs 300 crore first phase, 900 showrooms and four exhibition halls together occupying 17 lakh square feet were put in place.

When the Rs 500 crore second phase was planned, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority demanded environment clearance from the Central ministry. IEML applied in December 2006 and the ministry set 15 conditions.

IEML chairman Navratan Samdadiya confirmed work had been halted and said, “We are awaiting the ministry’s clearance.”

But investors feel they have been misled. “We paid the amount before construction started. We have been making losses due to the delay in handing over possession. Our suppliers have also been suffering due to this,” said an investor. “Some of us could go bankrupt if the delay is prolonged.”

By GLADSTONE THURSTON

The Freeport News, Bahamas

BI Service

NORTH ANDROS – Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) Execu-tive Chairman Edison Key has thrown his support behind artisansin North Andros in their quest to retake the market from “cheap, fake imports.”

“The millions of tourists who visit our shores each year say they don’t want fake, foreign imports,” said Key. “They want something authentically Bahamian. And, from what I see here in Andros, I am impressed. I can say that we are well on our way. You have my support.”

Key, the Member of Parliament for South Abaco, was the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony for Androsian artisans who completed the BAIC course in straw and shell craft. It was held at Love at First Sight, on the banks of Stafford Creek.

Using ingredients gathered from the beaches and woods, they crafted fashionable handbags, broaches, necklaces, earrings, hair accessories, lamps, mugs, portfolio holders and other items.

Trainers for straw craft were Eldira Miller and Myrtle Munroe, and April Martin for shell craft. BAIC’s Handicraft Develop-ment and Marketing Depart-ment is headed by Donnalee Bowe. Alphonso Smith is the Domestic Investment Officer for North Andros and the Berry Islands.

Key drew rousing rounds of applause, even from Andros’ opposition Members of Parliament Vincent Peet (north) and Picewell Forbes (south), as he expressed his confidence in the viability of Andros as the leading player in the development of the Bahamas. He was repeatedly referred to as a ‘Down Home Boy.’

“We now have at least 200,000 tourists moving through the Marsh Harbour (Abaco) area annually,” he said. “If you produce the straw, we will sell it for you. We have many projects that are coming on stream in Abaco. It is just a matter of a short time we are going to bring this whole thing together.”

Noting that God works in mysterious ways, Key added, “It may be that I am the instrument that can make the difference, along with Mr. Peet and Mr. Forbes, to move Andros in the right direction. And I am prepared to do my very best.”

Hyacinth Hanna, president of the North Andros Handicraft Association, underscored artisans’ concern that souvenir outlets “have become overcrowded with foreign items, most of which are found in other Caribbean islands.

“When tourists come to our islands they are looking

for things linked to the Bahamas,” she said. “Through the efforts of BAIC we are ready, willing and able to supply and even own our straw markets, and be proud to label our products ‘made in Andros.’”

The results satisfied Development and Marketing manager Ms. Bowe. “We are very pleased with the craftwork that is being produced in Andros as a result of the programs we have done down here,” she said. “We see a lot of excitement. We see a lot of enthusiasm. We are looking forward to Andros moving to greater heights as we work with them more to develop the industry.

“We are trying to garner a share of the local market. We welcome over four million tourists to our shores each year. We would like at least half of them to take back with them at least one authentic Bahamian-made item,” she said.

The BAIC courses in straw and shell craft have been offered at 25 locations throughout the islands.

EXHIBIT — Ladies admire items exhibited during the North Andros graduation of BAIC artisans.

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By Villamor Visaya Jr.

INQ7.net, Philippines

Northern Luzon Bureau

Last updated 09:44pm (Mla time) 09/02/2007

JONES, Isabela–Talahib (cogon), a weed that grows abundantly in this interior town but largely ignored by residents, is providing livelihood to weavers in 42 villages here.

Jovito Uy Sr., former municipal planning and development coordinator here, says the project, which uses talahib in handicraft making, earned the town a Galing Pook Award in 1997 for tapping indigenous resources to augment livelihood opportunities in the rural areas.

Uy, who heads an association of village-based weavers formed in 1992, says his group started with a P100,000 capital from the Jones government to finance the group’s participation in trade fairs and delivery and marketing of products.

Among the items marketed by Jones Integrated Handicraft Products are trays, utility baskets and boxes, place mats, wall decors, candleholders, lampshades, multipurpose racks, blinds, hot pads and other household items made from woven talahib stalks.

Uy says the group’s products have reached specialty markets in Japan, the United States and parts of Europe, where the demand for indigenous items is high.

Councilor Rodrigo Manuel says that before the project was launched, farmers and residents burned the talahib as they considered these a nuisance to their farms.

Today, the group has aligned itself with the Cagayan Valley Gifts, Toys and Houseware Association to more aggressively market its products.

Delia Rumbaoa, a weaver, says each worker can earn as much as P5,000 a month from handicraft making.

She says this is enough to augment their income from seasonal farming.

Uy says his group sells the products in local outlets at affordable prices.

A piece of wall decor, candleholder or a candy basket sells for P150 each while a lampshade fetches P700. Other items are within the P150 to P400 range.

Mayor Florante Raspado says the local government has been subsidizing the project to encourage villagers to improve their craft and create alternative jobs in farming villages.

“This project has helped Jones villagers avoid vices. They are more productive now,” Raspado says.

Jones, he adds, is blessed with raw materials like cogon and bamboo that can be used by residents to boost their income.

He says many residents are lured into the business as they practically spend nothing for talahib stalks, except when these are gathered from private lands where they have to pay a minimal fee.

“These materials help residents develop their ingenuity and self-reliance,” Raspado says.

The handicraft makers also get ample technical and training support from the Technical Education, Skills and Development Authority, and the Departments of Trade and Industry and Science and Technology.

“The workers would ensure that the items are carefully done. Quality control team members see to it that the items are free from defects so that these will not be returned by sub-contractors or sales agents,” says Ariel Nera, a member of the association.

Ben Lazaro, a group leader in charge of overseeing production, says the group has learned its lesson from its early days when the first sets of products were returned due to poor quality.

He says that since then, the group has tried to learn more and perfect their craft through support and training from government agencies.

The group’s officials have also sought marketing partners in Metro Manila who now order P160,000 worth of products a month.

Copyright 2007 Northern Luzon Bureau. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

GreaterKashmir.com (press release), India

Three decades in business has chiseled him into a successful businessman. When he recalls his early days in business, it was the lack of experience that made him to suffer. But his indefatigable efforts soon fructified and he scaled the heights of success. He credits his entire group for the accomplishments his company has achieved over past three decades. Meraj Ahmad Qureshi, Managing Director, Meraj Group of Industries talks to GK reporter Mudasir Ali in an interview. Excerpts:

What are your core competencies?

Meraj Group of Industries (MGI) has been into the production of wooden furniture for the last three decades. I started my business journey in 1976 under the banner Meraj Joinery Mill. Few years later I expanded my company and started production of steel furniture under the banner of Meraj Steel Industry. Today MGI is also into the business of interior designing by name of Genex Interiors. Over the years we have been supplying wooden and steel furniture to public and private sector undertakings including government offices, trading agencies and corporate houses. The company also takes contracts from government and corporations for interior designing of buildings. MGI has a turnover of more than Rs 1.25 crore and the company has bagged a number of best manufacturing awards form state government and business chambers of the Valley. The company provides employment to more than 40 Kashmiri youths including some women.

Yours was not a business family. So how did the idea of starting business click your mind?

There was not a single businessman in our dynasty. But right from my college days I had decided to do something of my own instead of becoming a government servant. During those days I would often see a label titled Shora Furniture on wooden chairs, tables, beds etc. The label became an inspirational source for me to venture into the business of furniture making and carve a niche in the sector. I would always think of starting my own business till I joined the Kashmir University in 1974. One day I saw a government poster, Arz Dhast pasted on the wall of the Arts Block in the University asking students to join industry for mass industrialization in the state. It was a scheme for expansion of industry in the state where the state and center government had tried to attract the educated and skilled youth towards industry with open invitation for students from different streams. The industrial authorities had promised to provide every facility to the prospective entrepreneurs for setting up their units. Even the poster had in bold words that Kashmiri youth need not to run after government jobs as there was lot of potential waiting to be tapped in the state industry.

Did you apply for the scheme?

I couldn’t have afforded to miss the opportunity and since the authorities were offering cost free services from approval of the projects to the registration of the units, I persuaded many of my friends, who are today successful businessmen in the Valley, to apply for the scheme. The scheme was on for three days and it was extensive. The authorities had set up a camp at exhibition ground here where authorities from industrial department, state financial corporation, small scale industries department, financial institutions were all sitting together to help clear all the formalities for prospective entrepreneurs to set up their units. In fact all the authorities were around a common table and project would get clearance within an hour with financial institutions providing the requisite loan in just few days. The then state industries minister Mir Ghulam Ahmad Lasjan would personally monitor and ensure that any prospective entrepreneur should not face any difficulty. Inexperienced but enthusiastic about starting my business, I applied for number of schemes on the first day. But then my friends suggested me to go for a business that had abundant raw material available locally. Accordingly, I decided to set up wooden furniture mill with a total investment of Rs 85,000 including working capital of Rs 69,000 from bank. My project was completed by the mid of 1975 and I started my production by early 1976.

You said you were inexperienced but still grabbed the opportunity and plunged into the business. So, was it challenging in the incipient stage?

I must admit that the start was difficult. I suffered visible loss for a particular period due to inexperience and non-availability of the skilled labor. Being inexperienced I would manufacture products having less demand in the market. Many of our products were not of the standard size. The going was tough but the more I devoted my time to business more I learned the market trends and eventually become conscious about the market needs. Meraj Joinery Mill was into early days of production when it received a big order from All India Handicraft Board, Handlooms and Handicraft Export Corporation and State Handloom Development Corporation for production of carpet looms and handicraft looms. I imported machinery and technology for production of looms from Chandigarh. The production was completed and I must say that order gave me recognition in the market. Then there was no looking back. I got orders from private as well as government parties for furniture production as well as interior designing. For past twenty years I have been providing interior designing to the J&K Bank branches. Besides, I am also getting the orders of JKPCC for various government works for last many years. Recently, we did the interior wood designing and furnishing to the newly constructed children hospital at GB Panth. The credit for the success of MGI goes to the whole team of the company. And, I cannot forget the role of my younger brother who is also my partner, Firdous Ahmad Qureshi. It is his indefatigable work and struggle that has gained a name and fame to our company in the market. Hari Krishan Raina, our company manager is another name that deserves a mention for his dedication to the company.

How has been your experience while working with government agencies?

A businessman must be patient while dealing with customers. Sometimes he gets money for his work on time and at other times he has to wait. But frankly speaking my experience with government agencies is bad for past three years. I have been honoring the orders and supplying the goods to the government agencies like on time, yet there has been tremendous problem in terms of getting the money. Emporium building, for example, was inaugurated some three years back by the former chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. I have done the ceiling work of the building for Rs 6 lakhs but received only Rs 1 lakh so far. Imagine what would have been my position had I been a beginner or a new comer in the business. Every time I asked for the money from the agency through whom I worked there, I was given to understand that government was short of funds. I am not the lone sufferer at the hands of authorities. There are examples galore. On one hand the government is hardly doing anything for Industry to prosper and on the other unit holders are deprived of their own hard earned money. This is indirectly a set back to the industry, which the government claims is trying to revive.

How do you look to the recent decision of the government announcing separate directorates of Industries and Commerce for Kashmir and Jammu?

The industrialists are hopeful that bifurcation of the directorate will give focused attention to the Kashmir industry, works would be monitored closely, schemes implemented fully and funds utilized properly and timely. These days authorities are boasting of accountability and enhanced work culture in government offices. But let me tell you when it comes to industry it seems the authorities fail to transform their words into action or deeds. Files are piling in the government offices for past several months. I see over past some years it has been a worst period for industry in Kashmir. Talk to the industrialists and you would come to know that project files and other documents of the unit holders have been pending in government offices for approval for months together. Where the government lacks is the implementation. Announcements are being made day in and day out yet there is no implementation. See we have a huge mineral resources like lime stone, marble cement etc. The government over the years has been claiming to exploit these resources but in practical even 20 per cent of these resources have not been tapped. Decades have gone by yet our cricket bat industry that has a huge potential to sustain our economy, has not been developed as a full-fledged industry. Unfortunately, we have been left with no option but to export the raw material that helps promotion of bat manufacturing industry outside that earns huge foreign exchange. Industry is facing sickness because government is not committed to transform its word into action.

You sound too critical to government’s approach towards industry.

It is not that governments or authorities were always like this. I have seen authorities in the government that were really concerned about the growth of industry in Kashmir. I remember if there would be any problem of electricity, roads, water, and other infrastructure to our industrial estates, some directors would personally visit the estates to ensure that the problem was removed. They would take as much care of the unit holders as the parents care for newly born child. Projects of unit holders would get clearances from different offices within days. They would leave no stone unturned to see the progress of industry. But unfortunately the times have changed now. I have been into business for last three decades and given the tremendous development of industry during 1972-1982, ours should have been a world famous industry with all the facilities available to the unit holders. However the truth is that industry is suffering more and more with the passage of time. Now-a-days funds for development of industry and revival of the sick units get lapsed frequently. And it seems that industry is facing its worst stagnation.

Any plan to export your products?

Yes, I had an intention to export our products to overseas and Indian markets. But truly speaking the government apathy has discouraged me a lot. Actually I was expecting to set up a large unit at Wooden Furniture Cluster, which was proposed to come up at Ompora Budgam under a centrally sponsored scheme. Under that scheme the centre would grant 85 per cent and state was supposed to pay 15 per cent for the construction of the cluster. All the modern facilities would have been available to us under one roof in the cluster. But the sorry tale is that the scheme is about to expire and yet the state government has not taken any step in this behalf. So this has discouraged me a lot and forced me to shelve my plan of exports.

After three decades in the business, when you look behind, how do you find the past?

Life is always full of ups and downs and we need to learn from our achievements and failures. I am quite contented with what came to me. But given the official apathy, it seems that road ahead is difficult for the younger generation who wish to make a name in the corporate world.

Your message for the prospective entrepreneurs?

Nobody should join industry with the intention to only avail the benefits and incentives. A unit should be viable without incentives. And of course the credibility of a businessman in the market decides his future.

Turkish Daily News (subscription), Turkey

ISTANBUL – Anatolia News Agency

The second Gold Hands Festival began Tuesday in Istanbul’s BeyoÄŸlu district. The festival, which will run through Sept. 6, is organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry in Taksim Gezi Park. BeyoÄŸlu’s Mayor Ahmet Misbah Demircan said that there are 73 artists contributing to the festival from 33 different cities around Turkey.

“I am very happy that there is a big improvement this year, when compared with last years festival,” said Demircan and added, “Artists are the biggest part of our culture. Even though they lost some of their market share with the industrial revolution, I am still hopeful because people prefer natural and handmade goods.”

Wooden handicrafts, textiles, ceramic tiles and other Turkish handicraft workshops will be held at the second Gold Hands Festival.

Cameroon Tribune (Yaoundé)

29 August 2007

Posted to the web 29 August 2007

AllAfrica.com, Washington

Choves Loh

Minister Etoundi Ngoa during a working visit urged operators to group themselves into cooperatives to ease funding.

North West operators in the small and medium sized sector have acknowledged inspiration from the visiting Minister, Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa who spent August 22-24 encouraging and promoting activities of the young ministry in Bamenda. On the spot, the minister listened to heights and speed brakes that haunt progress in the sector. Speaker after Speaker during the visit hailed the creation of the ministry as the positive way forward after years of crying in the rain.

At the Bamenda Handicraft Cooperative society, the “power fit” project site in the neighbourhood of Abangoh, the Mbuy and Family industry, the Cameroon Agro-industrial promoters and at the Integrated Farming Group , the problems were similar (crippling taxes, unfair competition, inadequate financial support, difficulties in getting raw materials etc),.

It was also a rare moment to show case the potentials of the sector in the North West. The “Power Hit elect Construction” project, a modest industrial complex impressed the minister with their sustainable development ability in the manufacture of agricultural equipment like tractors, tippers, loud speakers, power audio amplifiers and equipment for industrial use.

Fru Emmanuel, the initiator expressed the need for a permanent workshop to withstand vibration machines, installation of length machines and a link to the external world to ensure expansion. The minister announced CFA 20 million in government’s support for the project while the Mbuy Family Industry which excels in the production of cement blocks, clay fired bricks and boundary pillars said they have been crying in the rain with unfair competition from the dark. Saah Solomon, production manager of the Bamenda Handicraft Cooperative appealed for support to acquire a transportation van for the collection and distribution of crafts, simplified procedures for the exportation of crafts and the erection of a guest house. In all, Prof. Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa acknowledged great prospects

for the sector in the North West with a lot of talents to show. The need to appoint division Delegates to the take the ministry’s assignment to the grassroots was also echoed.

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Kenya

Written By:Emmanuel Toili , Posted: Mon, Aug 27, 2007

Crafts and Textiles produced locally for commercial purposes require novel designs to compete in the European Union – EU markets.

The Export Promotion Council Supply Chain Development Manager, Lucy Waithaka says the market is demanding new handicrafts products that will require innovative designs in meeting specific seasonal niche.

The handicraft market managed to hit the 600 million shillings mark last year from product exports up from 500 million shillings in 2005.

However, common features affecting handicraft entrepreneurs are enormous obstacles in obtaining financial loans for market expansion and the lack of product creativity.

While speaking at a Textile and Commercial Sectors Product Development Workshop, Waithaka said the export council will conduct a three phase short term consultancy program on product innovation and a pilot marketing of handicraft products to determine the market niche.

Artifact producers are however required to patent indigenous products with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute – KIPI.

Fiji Times, Fiji

PLANS are in motion to export handicrafts made by women in the Northern Division to the United States, says Interim Social Welfare Minister, Adi Laufitu Malani.

Adi Laufitu revealed this during her meeting with the committee of the National Centre for Small and Micro Enterprises Development in Labasa yesterday.

She said the interim Government was looking at products such as tapa, kuta, mats and other handicraft work that were of interest in the American market.

She said they were looking at arranging the exports under “duty-free” privileges.

“We want the women in the Northern Division to take advantage of the opportunity where they can sell certain goods to the US without paying duty,” Adi Laufitu said.

“So we are discussing at this stage with the parties involved and are urging women to apply for assistance under the Northern Development Funds of $5million to help them start their handicraft businesses.”

She said the ministry was also working on its membership fee to join the Fiji/American Business Council because the council could help identify markets for the ministry.

“Once we become a member, we will seek the council’s advice and ways of selling the womens’ products to the US market and even receiving orders online from America.

“If that is done, then it will be much easier for the women to sell their products to the US and this will only benefit not only the women and their families but the nation as a whole,” Adi Laufitu said.

She said the ministry had already contacted its field officers and told them about the plans of engaging rural women to sell products in the US market. “The field officers will inform the women in villages and they will work together to identify products to sell in the US market.”

Fiji Times, Fiji

AHANDFUL of handicraft sellers had the chance to make money yesterday when the cruise liner Pacific Sun called into Suva.

The ship, which set sail from Australia with more than 200 passengers, will sail through South Pacific ports before returning to Sydney.

But visitors on board had limited shopping opportunities because most boutiques were closed.

Other than curio vendors operating from the Suva Handicraft Market, Jacks of Fiji was the only major department store open yesterday. One handicraft seller, who did not want to be named, said visits like the Pacific Sun’s gave them a chance to showcase their craft and to sell them.

“During the week there are people who come by and buy the items that we have but our work is appreciated much more when visitors from overseas come and buy them,” she said.

The handicraft seller had ornaments and beads and shell jewellery in her temporary stall on Stinson Parade, along the capital city’s foreshore and within sight of the liner berthed at the wharf.

Some of tourists browsing and buying among the handicraft stalls said they were amazed at the detailed and elegantly crafted shell necklaces and bracelets.

After the December 5 coup of last year, visits by cruise ships have been a welcome sight.

Their stop-over indicates people from other nations are confident of calling in here, even if it was only a for a day.