Malaysia: 'One District, One Industry' project, a success

Government of Malaysia announced recently that in 2008 country had earned RM15.7 million under ‘One District, One Industry’ programme that was launched in 2003.
It has been learned that this programme saw 442 participants belonging to textile, handicraft, metal and ceramic industries this year.
Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Deputy Minister Teng Boon Soon, expressed happiness at accomplishing this growth. In the first year of its implementation only RM278,000 was achieved through this scheme.
"We started off with 20 participants who were involved in textile, metal and ceramic handcraft making. The increase is due to the government's efforts to add value to the handicraft industry," he said.
Mr Soon also revealed that Government was taking aggressive steps to promote national handicraft in international markets. The recently held Malaysia Week in London is a great example of the efforts.
"The sale this year is RM398,000 compared to RM294,000 last year. Kraftangan Malaysia also participated in a promotion in Spain in September, with an encouraging sale of RM220,000," he said.
Experts say that the growth trend that is now emerging in handicraft and textile industry is all a result of Government’s sincere efforts.