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By Chamitha Kuruppu

The National Design Centre functioning under the Ministry of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion will hold handicraft test marketing programs every month to boost the industry. The first test marketing program for the year was held at the Crescat Shopping complex from January 31 to February 1 with the participation of 10 handicraft producers in various craft sectors from all parts of the country.

Chairperson of the National Design Centre, Swarna Obeysekera told the Daily News that the two-day program enabled them to generate business worth Rs 200,000. "We are happy to say that all the producers received orders during these two days," Obeysekera said.

Handicraft items made of rush and reed, hana, silver, handmade paper, clay, brass and lacquer developed with the assistance of the National Design Centre were displayed and sold during the two days. The institute conducted two handicraft test marketing programs last year at the Lionel Wendt which have been 'very successful' according to the National Design Centre. However, their decision to hold the program monthly will enable more rural producers to gain many business opportunities. Changing the venue of the test market program too has had a great effect.

Assistant Director of the National Design Centre, C. Liyanage said that on previous occasions the institute had to carry out heavy publicity campaigns regarding the program. "Having the exhibition at Crescat enables the producers to sell their products to a different market segment which includes foreigners too," she said.

"Most of the producers do not have experience with such an environment and buyers therefore this will also help them to innovate with new designs catering to that particular market," she said.

The second test marketing program for the year is scheduled to be held by the end of March. The program will be held on a larger scale since it is scheduled to target the April new year market. Therefore, more handicraft producers will get an opportunity to exhibit and sell their products at the test marketing program, Liyanage said.

The National Design Centre will provide design assistance and conduct market promotional programs for producers who will be taking part in the event. Producers who wish to take part in the test marketing program could obtain more details from the National Design centre.

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