CSR: Enabling Empowerment Of Bamboo Craftsmen
Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) in association with the Bamboo and Cane Development Institute (BCDI) organised a design development and technical training workshop for bamboo and cane craftsmen in the Barpeta district of Assam. The month-long workshop was organised in a remote village, located around 100 kms from Dispur and Guwahati, to train 25 artisans. The objective of the workshop was to enable the craftsmen to design new products for both domestic and international markets. The workshop provided a significant opportunity for artisans to receive information on methods of treatment of raw materials and innovative ideas for development of new products with a wider appeal.
Mr. Manendra Deka, a national awardee in bamboo and cane craft, who has set-up a micro enterprise in Barpeta for manufacturing bamboo and cane products, coordinated with BCDI and Exim Bank for the training workshop. The valedictory session of the training programme was held on Monday, June 04, 2018, which was attended by Mr. Gunindra Nath Das, MLA, Barpeta Town constituency and Mr. Thaneshwar Malakar, Deputy Commissioner, Barpeta amongst other dignitaries.
Participants displayed prototypes of the products developed during the workshop which were appreciated by the Regional Director (North Eastern Region), Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ms. N.L. Palai. She congratulated both BCDI and Exim Bank for organising the training programme for the benefit of the craftsmen.
Exim Bank’s General Manager, Mr. Vikramaditya Ugra stated, “Interventions like these play a vital role in development of the Indian handicraft sector. Exim Bank through its Marketing Advisory Services, assists artisans, medium and small enterprises and self-help groups in marketing their products in the international markets and helps in export linkages”
Dr. Abhinav Kant, Incharge, BCDI, appreciated the efforts of Exim Bank in collaborating with his team for undertaking the workshop. Mr. Bhaskar Barua, Project Officer, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) stated that the artisans from the workshop would be provided a marketing platform in the upcoming fair going to be organised by EPCH.
Exim Bank of India, through its Marketing Advisory Services, plays a promotional role to create and enhance export capabilities and international competitiveness of Indian companies. Exim Bank assists in identification of opportunities overseas and seeks to help Indian exporting firms in their globalisation efforts by proactively assisting in locating overseas distributors / buyers / partners for their products and services. The Bank extends support and promotes grassroots enterprises by providing specific interventions such as assistance in skill development, product development and export readiness.
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