Handicrafts

Traditional cottage industries and handicrafts continue to play an important role in the economies of all Asian countries. They not only constitute major manufacturing activities in themselves but are also often the only available means to provide additional employment and raise the level of living for both rural and urban populations. In view of the growing world market for products of traditional Asian cottage industries and for Asian handicrafts, there is room for considerable expansion. During the 1990s significant improvements were made in marketing these products in wealthy countries. Some, however, have raised ethical questions about the use of child labour in some of these industries, such as carpet making in South Asia.