The Association of Designers and Craftsmen has been established under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan. All craftsmen of the republic decided to unite into one large organization in order to promote their interests in the international market, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry told 24.kg news agency.
According to the President of the Chamber, Temir Sariev, it is necessary to adequately represent Kyrgyzstan on world platforms.
«We often present national souvenirs during official meetings, but we need to improve the quality and design of products — kalpak, chapan and other national products. The world market does not tolerate inferior goods. The highest quality and design are required. We have created the Association of Designers and Craftsmen in order not only to help promote the products of our craftsmen, but also to protect their professional interests, including on the international market,» he said.
The Association of Designers and Craftsmen includes such large associations as Tumar, Nakta, Union of Folk Crafts, Kyrgyz Style, Altyn Kol Naryn, Alai and others. All of them successfully work abroad. But, according to craftsmen, it is necessary to monitor the quality of goods entering the world market. Control can be introduced only in case of joint work.
«Until now, not a single government agency has dealt with the problems of designers and craftsmen. Unfortunately, products having not very good quality get to the local and even international markets. At the same time, some handicraft workshops produce our national souvenirs and clothes, not observing Kyrgyz traditions, that is, distorted for the sake of a low price. We must adequately represent Kyrgyzstan in the international arena and not pass on low-quality goods,» said Nurgul Artykbaeva, a member of the association.
