HRPC creates economic opportunities for artisan groups in rural areas across Vietnam where livelihoods, communities, and craft traditions have been marginalised or are at risk of disappearing. We blend a passion for the deep-rooted cultures and handmade traditions of the Vietnamese people with a commitment to building profitable businesses. Environmentally and Socially Responsible sound practices are at the foundation of our methodology and we are mindful that we can only bring lasting economic growth for artisan groups if we develop better integrated, pro-poor, and environmentally sustainable “green” value chains, enabling poor growers, collectors, producers and traders to improve their products and business skills while linking these to more profitable markets. We accomplish this by working together with partners in the countries and markets we connect artisans with, establishing an infrastructure that continues to support the artisan community long after we complete our mentoring. HRPC’S MAJOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:Research: HRPC conducts research into different issues related to craft villages, from their history, cultural values, materials, production techniques, product development, and marketing to the other global concerns such as gender, the environment and child labour. Training: HRPC has some of the most comprehensive and relevant training programmes in the craft sector. Our training activities cover the fields of product development, design, marketing, environmental awareness, business management and social responsibility. All of these programmes address the needs of artisans, exporters, designers, organisational leaders and government officials. With almost 15 years of experience in field-based training, we are able to customise training programmes to suit the organisational needs and goals of different stakeholders in the sector. Material resource development: HRPC provides technical support for the development of sustainable/certified materials, including new bamboo, rattan, mulberry, and paper tree plantations and many other raw materials for handicraft production in conformity with sustainable/certified principles. These plantations can follow various models, and be based on monoculture planting, intercropping or agro-forestry. Product Development: HRPC’s product development encompasses all aspects of a market-ready production: design, technical production issues, costing and pricing, merchandising, packaging, and presentation. In all cases, we always give top priority to environmentally-friendly products. Market Access: We work with partners along the entire value chain to ensure sustainability. We connect material producers, artisans, exporters, and importers, and ensure that they are working together so that each business becomes profitable. HRPC is also an official member of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO). Network Development: HRPC disseminates knowledge and creates the best conditions for the networking of national and international craft villages in order to exchange information, skills and cultural activities.
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