Brac University and the Bangladesh Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Banglacraft) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the university Tuesday, July 21 to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable growth in Bangladesh’s handicraft sector.
The MoU establishes a framework for wide-ranging collaboration spanning entrepreneurship development, capacity building, innovation, research, market access, and export promotion.
It aims to empower artisans, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led handicraft enterprises through training, mentorship, business incubation and improved access to investors and markets.
Under the agreement, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) of Brac University will provide technical expertise in entrepreneurship development, facilitate training, mentoring and business development services, and engage Brac University faculty, researchers, and students in collaborative initiatives.
Banglacraft will facilitate access to handicraft enterprises and artisan groups, provide industry insights and sector-specific expertise, and support field-level implementation of joint activities.
Key areas of collaboration include joint training programs in business management, digital marketing, e-commerce, financial management and sustainable production practices; innovation and product development support; joint research on handicraft sector development, artisan livelihoods, market trends and export competitiveness; and entrepreneurship boot camps, business forums and networking events.
The partnership will also facilitate student internships and field engagement opportunities, creating direct industry-academia linkages.
A highlight of the collaboration will be the joint organization of an annual international crafts show Bangladesh (ICSB).
This premier platform will showcase Bangladeshi handicrafts, connect artisans with buyers, investors, and development partners, promote artisan-led enterprises and women entrepreneurs, and enhance the international visibility and export competitiveness of Bangladesh's handicraft sector.
Brac University treasurer Ariful Islam and Banglacraft president Md Belal Hossain signed the MoU.
The signing ceremony was chaired by CED head Afshana Choudhury and attended by Brac Business School dean Prof Mohammad Mujibul Haque, along with senior officials from both organizations.
