The Hindu Business Line : Uravu signs pact with Exim Bank for bamboo craft exports

URAVU, a non-profit trust based in Wayanad district, carrying out employment generation programmes in the bamboo sector, has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) for facilitating export of bamboo craft products.

Mr K. Muthukumaran, General Manager and Regional Resident Representative, Exim Bank of India, Chennai, signed the MoC with Mr T. Sivaraj, President, Uravu, at the Uravu Eco Shop at Pookkode Lake, a tourist spot in the district.

The bank would facilitate overseas promotion of products made at Uravu and the Micro Enterprises (ME) established by the agency, on best effort basis, a press release issued here said.

Uravu is a non-governmental organisation carrying out livelihood sustenance and employment generation programmes in the bamboo sector, targeting downtrodden social groups including traditional bamboo artisans and tribal communities, especially the women.

The organisation also organises bamboo planting programmes for ecosystem restoration and local resource base enhancement.

The Exim Bank would provide larger visibility to handicraft products from India through its overseas offices. It would also identify suitable buyers/partners for facilitating export and suppliers/partners in India for Uravu based on export enquiries.

The objectives of Exim Bank included creating export capabilities and international competitiveness in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The bank could go beyond just handholding to extend technology and financial support for upgrading the systems at the bamboo craft units, Mr Muthukumaran said.

The bank would assist Uravu by exchanging information on international markets for various products, technology, trade, business and investment opportunities.

It would also help organise workshops, training programmes and technical sessions with experts and consultants of international trade promotional orga- nisations and various Memorandum of Understanding partners of Exim Bank.

Mr Muthukumaran, who also visited Niravu, a bamboo craft unit in Kalpetta, said that the bank would begin with select products including the `Script-O' bamboo pens.

Niravu is one of the six MEs established under the Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana (RSVY), a Government of India scheme for backward districts being implemented in Wayanad. The women's self-help group is trained to make business card holders, flower vases and a range of pens out of bamboo.

Under the RSVY programme, Uravu would be establishing 25 MEs in Wayanad, providing employment in bamboo craft to 500 rural people.

The MoC between Urvu and the Exim Bank shall run for one year and could be renewed or amended by common consent, the release added.

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