Come and join us on our celebratory tour to Bangladesh!

2009 sees Traidcraft celebrate their 30th brithday and we are offering you the opportunity to come and visit some of the producer groups that Tradicraft first worked with. Products from CORR Jute Works appeared in Traidcraft's first ever catalogue, maybe you remember the first Jute Sikas? During the tour we visit Jute Works' head office and take a day trip out to villages to meet producers in their homes and we hear from staff and workers about the developments over this 30 year trading relationship. Since the first catalogue Traidcraft have established relationships with many other groups in Bangladesh and will also be celebrating more recent successes, such as the introduction of cards from Swajan in Marks and Spencers.

Our visit takes place towards the end of the dry season and the effects of monsoon flooding in central and northern Bangladesh will be hard to spot, but located in the delta of two of the largest rivers in the world, water plays an important role all year round we make sure to dedicate a day of our itinerary to seeing life from the river.

As well as visiting Jute Works and Swajan, throughout the tour we celebrate with even more Traidcraft suppliers and explore their development and relationship with Traidcraft, some of which goes back nearly as long as Jute Works. In addition to trading with groups in Bangladesh, in 2005 Traidcraft Exchange opened an office in Dhaka which we will visit to better understand more about their work in the region. 

Far away from the traditional tourist trail, Bangladesh is a colourful and vibrant country waiting to be discovered and you will be met with an unfailing welcome and people with an infectious passion for their country. Still heavily shaped by the presence of development agencies, we see the successes and challenges that are faced and the role of fair trade. Whether you remember the first Jute Sikas or you simply want a further insight into Traidcraft, fair trade and Bangladesh, then this is the perfect opportunity to understand and celebrate the importance of long term fair trading. 

   Click here find out more about our tour to Bangladesh.

Alternatively, click on the following links to her more from Brian and Lizzie when they visited Bangladesh in 2006 and 2007.