What's New

VIENTIANE  2008: 

VIETNAM

SEEKING NEW MARKETS FOR TRADITIONAL ARTISANS 

PHAM THI THU THUY 
Craft Link Vietnam  

Founded in 1996 Craft Link is a Vietnamese not-for-profit, fair trade organization which helps traditional craft producers to revive their culture and improve their livelihood through handicraft  production and marketing.

The objectives of Craft Link are: 1)  Assist  craft producers improve their livelihoods through craft production and marketing; 2) Revive and promote traditional culture and skills; and 3) Educate the public about handicraft producers and their products.

Craft Link uses the profit  from the business through 1) investment in the development activities of the new handicraft projects; and  2) providing small loans for Ethnic groups who need small capital for buying material or production tools.

There are 60 groups of Craft Link producers all over Vietnam :   45 percent  are ethnic minorities,  25 percent  are disadvantaged groups, and  30 percent  are traditional villagers. Based on  1997 records, Craft Link production has been increasing.  Producers are given training in management; book-keeping, costing and pricing;  design; product development and final finishing;  quality control and packaging. 

Marketing of products are carried out through  retail  ( through Craft Link shops), wholesale (to other shops in Vietnam), consignment (to big hotels in Vietnam) and export (mainly to Europe and America).  Craft Link holds the following events to boost sales: 1) handicraft bazaars, 2) small exhibitions on  ethnic tradition, and c) promotional activities.