What We Do

Fair Trade Begins as a Rural Development Project

Shapla Neer started its handicraft project in Bangladesh with the aim of improving life for economically disadvantaged producers. In 1974, a cooperative association was formed between the women of one rural village. The women used Jute, a material abundant in their village, to start experimenting with hand-made products in hopes of increasing their income. SHAPLA NEER bought the products from the association, and began selling them in Japan. This is the beginning of SHAPLA NEER’s fair-trade project.

Back then, there was no such word as “fair trade”, and their project was simply started as a rural development program. The members of the association would deliver the handmade goods to local NGOs whom SHAPLA NEER would import from. Now there are 15 local onganizations that SHAPLA NEER partners with in order to continue the fair trade project. We call our fair-trade project 'CRAFT LINK'.

Activity Guideline (Read Full version here)

1.) Improve the lives of producers:Job opportunities are particularly important for those on unsustainable incomes due to poverty and other social restrictions.Shapla Neer focuses on placing continuous orders, so that living standards can be improved through the production of handicrafts that utilize local materials and traditional skills and by making the kinds of products that provide a stable income.

2.) Work with partner organizations: Work with partner organizations that hold the same mission as us, in order to improve the lives of the producers. We collaborate with the partner organizations to discuss Japan’s market, customer feedback, product development, quality control and so on.

3.) Aim for a symbiotic society: In order to resolve North-South issues, it is important for people in Japan and other countries to take action to raise awareness and to, relate mutually with respect for diversity. Shapla Neer highlights the culture and circumstances of our producers and proposes - a society free from exploitation and discrimination, and calls for the participation in Craft Link activities with the aim of realizing such society.

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Connecting “Producers” and “Counsumer” through Craftlink

The name 'Craft Link' reflects our aspirations to “link” the producers, consumers and those involved in the production and sale of “craft” and for all parties to work together toward a better society

Price Breakdown of Products ~For Nokushitaka Elephant Pouch (1,900 yen)～

When purchasing a Nokushitaka Elephant Pouch (1,900 yen), around 220 yen goes back to the producer. They can buy 5kg of rice using this income.

The products are available at Rakuten Ichiba
http://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/craftlink/