Chhimi Dema 

Bhutan Textiles, a collective brand created by 22 textile designers, entrepreneurs, and civil society organisations, exported products worth Nu 7.8 million between 2020 and 2022.

The products were exported to the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, and Japan. The products were home décor textiles such as blankets, belts, cushion covers, throws, table linen, pouches, rugs, runners, fabrics, and bags.

The collection on display in Paris is promoted under the brand name Bhutan Textiles, to collectively and professional export high-value handmade textile products internationally.

The home décor textile collection was on display at the Maison & Objet Trade Fair in Paris from March 24 to 28. The Maison & Objet Trade Fair, organised by Salons Francaiset Internationaux, brings together international design, home décor, and lifestyle communities.

Executive Director of SABAH Bhutan, Kezang Dolkar Dorji said that being a beneficiary of the project helped them to feel motivated by the international recognition they received.

“The sales from our products are benefiting our operational affairs and income generation for our producers, home-based workers weaver,” she said, adding that the opportunity has come as a relief for the organisation that was severely affected by the pandemic.

The international platform, she said would help to promote and popularise the Bhutanese designers and the textile in the international market and also help motivate young designers and weavers to keep the tradition and culture alive.

The Bhutan Textiles brand was formed under the EU-Bhutan Trade Support Project funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts.

Chandrika Tamang, a sustainable fashion designer and an entrepreneur from CDK, said that getting the international platform promotes Bhutanese textile and creates a market for more buyers.

She said that employment in the textile industry is huge which could allow designers, weavers, and seamstresses to enter international markets.

In 2020, Bhutan exported textiles including carpets, embroidery, shawls, and scarves, among others worth Nu 1.7 million, and in 2021, exported textiles worth Nu 1.9 million, according to Bhutan Trade Statistics.