Boosting export readiness in Bangladesh’s handmade sector
Commissioned by CBI, this initiative focused on enhancing the export competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh’s Home Decoration and Home Textiles (HDHT) sector. Globally Cool contributed with tailored consultancy and strategic guidance, concentrating on high-potential product groups such as basketry, rugs, decorative textiles, and sustainable bags. By strengthening institutional capacities and supporting export readiness, the project aimed to build a more cohesive and market-oriented handmade export sector.
Year
2020 – 2024
Country
BangladeshType of activity
- Digital Marketing
- Onsite training
- Strategy Development
Activities
- Conducted soft skills training for product development trainers at Banglacraft and ECOTA.
- Implemented AI-enhanced export readiness audits integrated into Banglacraft and ECOTA websites.
- Facilitated CSR training for SMEs, delivered by external expert Mahabub Alam.
- Supported the optimisation and launch of new websites for ECOTA and Banglacraft.
- Organised strategic meetings with senior representatives of Banglacraft, ECOTA, and JDPC to enhance collaboration in the HDHT sector.
- Jointly developed a comprehensive Sector Export Marketing Plan (SEMP), identifying priority markets and defining competitive advantages.
Results
- Improved service delivery to SMEs: Effective training programmes in product development and export readiness with high participant satisfaction.
- Enhanced sector collaboration: Established a formal HDHT Export Sector Committee to foster sector-wide cooperation.
- Strengthened digital presence: Newly optimised websites with advanced functionalities for ECOTA and Banglacraft: https://eftfbd.org/ and https://banglacraft.org/
- Operationalised CSR practices: Integrated CSR frameworks into export readiness training, enhancing SME compliance with international standards.
- Enhanced sector alignment and market focus: Established shared strategies and clear marketing objectives, resulting in increased visibility in targeted European markets.