DUSHANBE, January 9, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- A three-day meeting of the work group for creation of the national craftsmanship network in Tajikistan has opened din Dushanbe today.

According to the National Association of Small and Medium Businesses of Tajikistan (Nambst), the working group members include craftsmen from Dushanbe, districts subordinate to the center, Sughd and Khatlon provinces as well as representatives of relevant government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations active in Tajikistan.

The meeting is discussing the draft law on craftsmanship and aims and objectives of creation of the national craftsmanship network.

The draft law on craftsmanship that will regulate the craftsmanship sphere in the country has been worked out in the frameworks of the project, Promoting the Development of the Handicraft Sector in Tajikistan through Fair-Trade Links and BIO Networking.

This project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Nambst in cooperation with Cesvi (Italian humanitarian organization), aims to contribute to private sector development by promoting the potential of Tajik handicrafts to the European market.

The national craftsmanship network is dedicated to unite all the craftsmen of the country, promote development of their professional skills, improvement of the quality of production and constant access to information about the handicraft sector.

Founded in 1985, Cesvi is one of the biggest humanitarian organizations in Italy.  It has about 30 offices all over the world.  In the name Cesvi, the words cooperazione e sviluppo (Cooperation and Development) underline the fact that Cesvi bases its philosophy on the idea of giving the recipients of aid a leading role, working together for their own natural benefit.

Cesvi provides assistance in emergency situations (including famine and epidemics (especially malaria and dengue in the South East Asia, malaria and HIV/AIDS in Africa), helps refugees (e.g. North Uganda and DR Congo) and flood victims, supports reconstruction after disasters (earthquakes, tsunami), implements projects for sustainable development and environmental defense in poor countries.

The organization is sponsored by Italian private donors (34%), public donors (European Union, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, United Nations agencies), foundations, companies, local authorities. Among its fields of expertise are the problems of food/nutrition, HIV/AIDS, health, refugees and IDPs, shelter, water and sanitation.

In Tajikistan, three offices of Cesvi have functioned since 2005; they are located in Dushanbe, Khujand and the Khovaling district.