In a first, Bengal to devise export strategy to promote its artisans

In the process, Bengal could become the first state to prepare an export strategy in this sector. The main purpose of the move is to create a demand for Bengal’s myriad products in markets abroad. 

This will not only restore the past glory of Bengal’s textile and other industries, but also help in reviving the economy of medium and small sectors in the state.

A memorandum of understanding has already been signed between the state government and the Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank), in which the latter has agreed to provide financial assistance and also advisory support to the government for the export of its various products.

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department has been working towards building infrastructure so that the products could be exported to various countries, boosting sustainable growth in various sectors.

Once these goods get a good market abroad, a larger number of people will feel encouraged to be involved in these sectors. The department is yet to come up with a detailed policy.

It may be mentioned that the MSME department had taken up a series of new projects to contribute to the development of the socio-economic condition of artisans across the state by giving them a platform to showcase their handicrafts. The state government had set up ‘Rural Craft hub Project’ at 11 different locations for this purpose.

Around 3,000 people were initially involved in the project and in a few months the number rose to 15,000. The government plans to set up more such hubs in various parts of the state, which could create employment for around five lakh people. After taking over as Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee laid great emphasis on the MSME sector. She instructed the department to prepare an elaborate strategy so that artisans making various handicrafts got a platform to showcase their skills through various clusters. The purpose of the scheme was to improve the quality of life of artisans.

The ‘Rural Craft Hub Project’ has come up at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore in the first phase. In the second phase, many more hubs will come up in the state, at an approximate cost of Rs 20 crore.

The Rural Craft Hubs were later elevated to Rural Craft Cultural Hubs to include people involved in various cultural activities as well. The hubs, which are also recognised by UNESCO, have turned into tourist hotspots.

Exim Bank has agreed to provide loans for the export of engineering, textile products, garments and other items. It will give loans to individuals involved in various businesses on the basis of the recommendations by the state government, thus helping in promotion of Bengal’s export policy. Senior officials of the MSME department in the state are also in touch with the bank.

A senior official of the MSME department said that they were working towards infrastructure building so that Bengal artisans could get renumerative returns for their products in the international market. It is expected that the infrastructure will be in place in the next few months.