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:: About AAC
:: Our
Background
The Artisans’ Association of Cambodia
(AAC) was formed in 2001 with a vision to promote a new
approach to the socio-economic integration of landmine
survivors and others with disabilities.
With the support of the World Rehabilitation Fund (WRF),
the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), AAC began to provide
support to five local handicraft groups providing employment
and training to disabled people.
Since this time, both the
vision of AAC and the groups that we work with has expanded -
from 5 members working with disabled people to more than 50 members
supporting not only disabled people but also vulnerable women,
minority tribes people and those from especially poor
backgrounds.
Along with this expansion has come a realisation that the
interests of our members and the artisans whom they employ are
best served in a Fair Trade environment. To this end, AAC has
sought to become a leading voice for Fair Trade within
Cambodia, becoming active members of both the International
Fair Trade Association (IFAT) and the Asia Fair Trade Forum
(AFTF). AAC is also recognised by the Government of
Cambodia, through its registration with the Ministry of the
Interior.
Our Vision
Evolving
Cambodian artisan groups into accomplished independent social
enterprises. Our
Mission
The Artisans’ Association of Cambodia
(AAC) is a fair trade association providing commercial and
capacity building services to social enterprises that work
closely with disadvantaged artisans.
Our Objectives
- To improve the socio-economic well-being of
disadvantaged artisans by increasing the income generating
activities of member organizations.
- To improve the quality of artisan products by providing
ongoing professional development to artisans and staff at
member organizations.
- To increase the sales of these products to tourist and
export markets.
- To negotiate collectively with member organizations in
order to reduce production materials and export
costs.
- To advocate nationally and internationally for policies
that will benefit the production and sales of artisan
products in order to allow sufficient economic benefits for
these groups.
Our
Services
- Networking: connecting our members with each
other and with other partners that can encourage and assist
them in their work.
- Organizational Development: assisting our members
in developing their businesses and implementing effective
company policies.
- Quality Control: providing assistance in
assessing AAC members' product quality and ensuring that
artisans are meeting high standards in their
production.
- Sales Assistance: working with members to explore
opportunities to increase the sales of their products, both
locally and internationally, including participation at
exhibitions and fairs.
- Export Services: acting as a ‘commercial agent’
for international buyers, consolidating orders and
overseeing the shipment of AAC members' products.
- Advocacy: representing the interests of
disadvantaged artisans to government and other
decision-makers.
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